Looking at a 5 in 1 printer and need opinions

[marie]

Hello all,
I am looking at investing in a Brother MFC 3100c. It does copy, scan, fax and printing, and stand alone faxing with a 14.4 modem.

I have tried to research this extensively. I so far I have determined its compatible with macintosh and X. But then I look at some other documentation and it tells me that printing only?

I am completely confused and before I spent $160 on this, I want to be certain that all the features I want are availible to me and my macintosh.

Anyone have suggestions? Does anyone own one that they can tell me how it perfoms?

Thanks in advance all!!    
Marie

[kelly]

At least one person likes it.  

http://forums.dealmac.com/read.html?f=1&i=...8#reply_1055875

eopinion Reviews

[jwboyd]

Such a 5-in-1 machine may be a great way to go, but I don't think I like the idea. With my separate units, if one quits I still have all the others and can get by until I can repair or replace the defective unit.

Anyone have further thoughts on this?

[krissel]

I'm in jw's camp on these combo units.
The potential repair problem is 5 fold plus you probably won't be getting more than average quality in all the features.

That said, there are a few cases where it may make sense. First, if you lack space for separate units. Then if you are someone who doesn't do all those activities very frequently but has a need for that use now and then. And third, an individual who can't afford the single pieces and can save a few dollars.

If the unit will work with your Mac then you have to decide if you fit one of these situations.

[kps]

I'm in the other camp...    

I find that anything under $200 is not worth fixing when it breaks because it'll cost almost as much as what it's worth when the warranty expires. You know, $3.75 for the parts, $95 in labour...plus applicable taxes...etc.

Having recently purchased an Epson CX5200 (no fax) all in one, I find it more capable than my Epson 740 for printing and a whole lot more capable than my old SCSI Microtek E3 scanner. The copy function is a bonus and the total cost was less than what I paid for the Microtek scanner alone.

I would agree if I needed professional grade printers, scanners or heavy duty office copiers, but when it comes to consumer grade peripherals I think the All-in-ones are great, reasonably priced, and very much capable of decent output.

[Mayo]

I prefer the stand-alone printer/fax option myself, but I would be open to an all-in-one machine if I felt that it would meet my needs.  However, I am skeptical about any machine that costs only $160, particularly an all-in-one rig.

My experience with inexpensive printers and the like has not been very good, so I have opted for better printers and a mid-level priced Brother fax machine.  I want good quality and reliability; what do you do if your printer/fax/scanner breaks in the middle of an important project?  And I think that the point about losing all functions should an all-in-one go belly-up is a valid point.

I would determine how often I use the different functions and if any one function will see heavy use then I would probably go with a heavier-duty stand-alone product.

I would also try and purchase this kind of product from Costco.  The price will probably be right, and a friend told me today that a Costco rep told her that the company has a lifetime return policy, no questions asked.  If it turns out that whatever you choose doesn't work well, or breaks, No Problemo!  I returned a hinky Epson printer after seven months and walked away with cash in my pocket, with everyone smiling.  Nice!
 
 [ 04-19-2003, 12:30 AM: Message edited by: Mayo ]

[sandbox]

Hi Marie, I am a proud owner of the 3100C, and it’s great!!!
I bought it because the BOSS wanted to get away from fax software and copying software. To have a machine that others could walk up to and make copies with the push of a button.

One thing to consider though, you need to have a built-in USB plug if you want to scan and copy to your mac, PCI cards won’t do. That’s it, it prints just as good as my Epson, which is a good and faithful printer. It scans and copy’s quickly and accurately. The fax works flawlessly, all with easy control options, great instructions, and quick service response. I ask questions, they answered accurately.

We have used the Brother’s daily for maybe six months now without a problem. I just printed 50 brochures yesterday without a flaw, on two sides.  (usually done on the Epson) It’s performed far more accurately than I expected, and so...........

If you have a Mac with built-in USB plugs I would highly recommend this machine.

Unless you plan on heavy printing (1000 pages or more) quickly, don’t buy extra ink packs just now, they seem to last forever? Some claim that ink has a six month shelf life and you’ll be dusting the ink boxes for longer than that!      

I use a Umax scanner for pictures and blow-ups but the Brothers works well on that account too. A friend has one connected to a built-in USB that scans to his desktop with fine detail. It’s really an amazing machine.

Have Fun!      

Oh, I forgot, I run OS 9.2, so I can't speak to the X question but my friend runs X and it works for him.

Here something from Kelly's link. the 9700 uses simular software as the 3100c

 

quote:DealMac Thread

Re: who makes the best "all in one"...printer. scanner..
Author: EddieK  (---.sanarb01.mi.comcast.net)
Date:   02-10-03 16:50

I've recently had this same dilemma but I've got to say that I've been pretty happy with my Brother MFC-9700. I'm running OS X.2 on a G3/400 B&W attached to a USB, a parallel port to the SMC wireless print server so that my wife's Dell laptop will print from anywhere. It is a laser printer and replacing the HP 5MP (hooked up via etherwave), Microtek scanner (running only on OS 9) (anyone need one?) and broken fax machine. It is a bit slower than the 5MP starting out, but to have one thing do everything is kind of nice. It also scans in OS X (Graphics Converter) with brother drivers. My one complaint is that the font quality in Adobe Acrobat documents (.pdf) is horrible. I have to print .pdf in "Preview" which turns out fine. I got this on sale with coupons, et al from Dell for $400.

I don't have the PDF problem that he mentions, using Print to PDF.

edit-fixing width-jep
 
 [ 04-19-2003, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: jepinto ]

[Mayo]

Here are a couple of reviews at ePinions:

http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC_3100C_Color_Multi_Function_Centr e__Printers_MFC_3100C/display_~reviews://http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC...isplay_~reviews://http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC...isplay_~reviews://http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC...isplay_~reviews://http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC...isplay_~reviews://http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC...isplay_~reviews://http://www.epinions.com/Brother_MFC...isplay_~reviews

And some more at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...25530?vi=glance

One problem I have had with Brother machines where the paper is fed via a slot is that thin paper like newspaper and some magazines gets jammed in the machine.  Anyone have experience with a good quality flat-bed scanner/fax/printer combo?  I get tired of having to go somewhere else to copy certain things...
 
 [ 04-19-2003, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: Mayo ]

[kps]

If you can live without a built-in fax....

TS thread

Pros

Copier works without computer being on.
48bit color scanning at 2400x1200
Fast printing, up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
Separate CMYK cartridges
Scan to fax software possible.
Works well with ColorSync

Cons

A4 (Letter) size scanning/copying only
Paper feed quite noisy
Not all features supported in OSX

More:

Epson CX5200
 
 [ 04-19-2003, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: kps ]

[Diana]

If you're considering a Brother or have one already, you might want to read this:

BROTHER RECALLS MULTIFUNCTION AND LASER PRINTERS
Brother is recalling several printer models because of a fire danger. The problems arise when the printers' fusers overheat.

The model numbers are HL-1040, HL-1050, HL-1060 and MFC-P2000, made from 1997-2000. The model numbers are on top of the printers, next to the Brother logo. Brother asks that customers not use the printers. Customers should take their printers to an authorized service center. The fuser will be replaced. Customers may call the company at 866-236-6835 for more information, or check the Web site at:     http://www.brother.com/usa/recalls.html

see ya,
Diana

[sandbox]

This is the review I used to make the selection and it's a darn accurate one from my experience.

Hey Mayo, I don’t have the paper problem, but brother does have a flatbed as well. If it’s anything like this model, it’s worth a lOOKsee.  

This first reviewer is writing something totally contrary to everyone else’s main +++’s
This machine is very good with INK, it’s mentioned by all, even the ones who would like
a $15,000 machine for $150 bucks.
I bought my 3100C at Office Depot and they have INK. They also sell 3100C’s at Staples, they have INK, amoung other places
  Staples

This review is bogus.

Amount Paid (US$): 200.00
Operating System: Windows
http://www.epinions.com/content_90669616772

This guy may have had software problems, but he is unique. He may have paper jamming problems, so did Jane, when she tried to copy a 3 layer onion skin carbon tax form, backwards (bad hairday) but other than that if you use good old paper, not the three layered Sharmon    it works fine. I think I’ve printed 1000 sheets of Staples #20 through this machine, without a jam, and a couple of hundred pages of Weyhaeuser #28 Cougar along with some Photo Stock without  a problem, Lucky I guess  

Amount Paid (US$): 200.00
Operating System: Windows and Macintosh
http://www.epinions.com/content_72183221892
 
 [ 04-20-2003, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: sandbox ]