Despite the explosion of smart devices, cloud storage and general device “all the time” network connectivity, sometimes the world still needs physical documents. Yes, despite the calls declaring the end of newspapers and print media, we all still need to print things and that’s where Brother’s MFC-J6535DW ink-jet printer, scanner, fax and copier comes in.
The small office/home all-in-one solution provides a convenient way to wireless print, copy scan and fax documents without a major investment of money and resources.
Features
Brother says the all-in-one can print up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute and 27 color pages per minute. It provides a maximum print resolution of 4800x1200dpi, and compatibility with the Windows and Apple OSX operating systems.
As a copier, the MFC-J6535DW makes 12 black-and-white copies per minute and nine color copies per minute. It offers enlargement and reduction options and compatibility with papers sizes such as 11×17.
Looking at its scanning capabilities it offers 2400x2400dpi flatbed capabilities and 1200x2400dpi ADF. Scanning options include AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother’s iPrint&Scan, Wi-Fi Direct and Mopria. It also works with the JPEG and PDF; black-and-white TIFF and PDF file formats.
The fax options provide 33.6kbps fax speed, call waiting, caller ID, color and black-and-white faxing.
Other features include a standard input paper tray that holds up to 250 sheets, a multipurpose that holds 100 sheets, and a document feeder that holds as many as 50 sheets. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Ethernet and USB 2.0.
Installation
Setting up the printer was very easy.
After unpacking the good size all-in-one, I loaded the paper tray, plugged in the unit and through the front-panel interface, entered the date and time. After loading the unit’s four print cartridges, I was greeted by a message that said it would take eight minutes to “initiate.”
Once my wait was over I ran a test to see if the printer functions worked. After verifying the print functions, I followed the step-by-step instructions to place the MFC-J6535DW on my wireless network.
After getting the MFC-J6535DW onto my network, the front-panel interface displayed a message that indicated that the unit needed a firmware update. To run the update all I needed to do was press a single button.
Performance & Final Thoughts
Running through various printing, copying and scanning functions, I found Brother's printer to be responsive and easy to use no matter what I threw at it.
Starting with some scanning, I scanned documents at 300dpi and 600dpi, and thought both resolutions produced good-looking scans.
Trying the unit’s printing capabilities wirelessly, I used an Apple MacBook Air, an iPad, documents stored on a thumb drive and files from my network try a number of printing duties.
Scanning my network to find the printer took a few seconds. Once I discovered the printer, I selected it, and found it simple to use regardless of whether it was family-related content or work documents.
One of the unscientific tests I ran for print speed found the all-in-one printed three copies in 20 seconds. Color copies, which also looked very good also printed quickly too, but I did not time them in any sort of way.
Perhaps the most polarizing good/bad element of the MFC-J6535DW is that it powers down when not in use. This is great for energy consumption, but it also means you have to “wake it back up” too. To do this all I would do is just press the home button on the front-panel interface.
Dealers that offer remote network monitoring will see notifications of the printer “falling off” and “rejoining” the network. In the case of my Araknis network and its OvrC remote network functions, the printer wakes up and sleeps throughout the day to fill my phone with OvrC notifications.
My only complaint with the printer is its size. The sleep functions never affected connectivity or performance, but the all-in-one is bigger than many competitive products, which could limit its use due to space limitations within a home or business.
Comparing the product to past Brother all-in-ones, I think the company has done a good job with improving the reliability and performance of its products with the introduction of the MFC-J6535DW.
I have no problem recommending this all-in-one from Brother for home or small business use to serve as a printer, copier, scanner or even fax … if people still fax.
Price: Appx. $230.
