Brother IntelliFAX-2840 Review – Reliable Laser Fax
Comprehensive review of the Brother IntelliFAX-2840 laser fax machine. Features, benefits, specs, pros, cons & who should buy it.
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of home offices and small businesses, reliable communication is paramount. Fax machines, while sometimes overlooked in the digital age, remain vital for secure document transmission and archiving. Many users grapple with frustratingly slow transmission speeds, limited memory, and the constant worry of costly ink replacements. The Brother IntelliFAX-2840 aims to address these common pain points, offering a robust and efficient faxing solution designed for consistent performance and long-term value.
Overview
The Brother IntelliFAX-2840 is a high-speed, monochrome laser fax machine engineered for seamless integration into home offices and small businesses. It’s more than just a fax machine; it’s a communication hub, combining faxing capabilities with copying and even rudimentary printing through its USB interface. Built around a powerful 33.6K bps modem and backed by 16MB of memory, it offers rapid transmission speeds and the ability to handle larger documents with ease. Its compact design ensures it won’t dominate valuable workspace, while its generous paper tray capacity minimizes interruptions and maximizes productivity. It’s a dependable workhorse ready to handle demanding faxing workloads.
Features
High-Capacity 250-Sheet Paper Tray: The 250-sheet paper tray significantly reduces the frequency of refills, keeping your workflow uninterrupted, particularly beneficial for businesses that handle a high volume of faxes or copies. This minimizes downtime and enhances overall efficiency.
Blazing-Fast 33.6K bps Modem & Intelligent Transmission: The 33.6K bps modem delivers exceptionally fast transmission speeds, averaging approximately 2.5 seconds per page. This rapid speed minimizes waiting times and maximizes productivity, ensuring documents reach their destination promptly.
Automatic Document Feeder for Multipage Faxing: The integrated 20-page auto document feeder allows for the effortless faxing or copying of multiple pages without manual intervention. This feature is a significant time-saver for busy professionals who frequently deal with multipage documents, reducing human error.
USB 2.0 Interface for Future Printing Capability: While primarily a fax machine, the built-in Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface offers the flexibility for future printing capability when connected to a computer. This provides added versatility and expands the machine’s functionality beyond its core faxing tasks. This is a practical addition for basic document output needs.
Benefits
Minimize Downtime with High-Capacity Paper Tray: The large paper capacity means less frequent refills, translating to increased productivity and reduced interruptions to your workflow. Save time and maintain a consistent output.
Enhanced Productivity with Rapid Transmission: Fast transmission speeds significantly reduce faxing time, boosting overall productivity and ensuring timely delivery of important documents. Experience a noticeable difference in speed and efficiency.
Reduced Workload with Automatic Document Feeder: Free your hands and streamline your workflow with the automatic document feeder, allowing you to multitask effectively while the machine handles multiple pages seamlessly.
Future-Proof Design with USB Connectivity: The integrated USB interface not only provides a means for data transfer but also allows for possible printing functionality. This guarantees the machine’s adaptability to future needs and requirements.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices: The compact size, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance make the IntelliFAX-2840 an ideal solution for home offices looking for a dependable faxing solution.
Ideal for Small Businesses: Its high-speed transmission and high-capacity paper tray cater to the demands of small businesses handling moderate to high volumes of faxed documents, supporting a productive work environment.
Great for Legal and Medical Professionals: The secure transmission and archiving capabilities are crucial for industries like legal and medical, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast transmission speeds (33.6K bps)
- High-capacity paper tray (250 sheets)
- Automatic document feeder for multipage faxing
- Compact and space-saving design
- USB 2.0 interface for future printing
- Reliable performance and durability
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- Monochrome printing only
- Limited functionality compared to multifunction devices, lacks scanning
- The device lacks a display screen, relying on the connected device for feedback
FAQs
What is the cost per page?: The IntelliFAX-2840 uses a toner cartridge that yields approximately 2,000 pages (5% coverage). The cost per page is significantly lower than inkjet-based solutions, contributing to long-term cost savings.
What is the maximum printing speed?: The maximum printing speed is approximately 21 pages per minute (ppm) when connected via USB to a computer.
How easy is the wireless setup?: The IntelliFAX-2840 does *not* support wireless connectivity; it utilizes a standard telephone line and a USB connection to a computer for printing functionality.
What toner cartridges are compatible?: Compatible toner cartridges include TN-2210 and TN-2215. The TN-2215 offers a higher yield for even greater cost savings.
What is the warranty period?: The IntelliFAX-2840 comes with a limited one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Product Specifications
| Print Technology | Laser |
| DPI Resolution | 600 x 2400 dpi |
| Ink Type | Toner |
| Page Yield | 2,000 pages (5% coverage) |
| Print Speed | 21 ppm (USB) |
| Connectivity | USB, Telephone Line |
| Dimensions | 14.6″D x 14.7″W x 12.2″H |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs |
| Duty Cycle | 30,000 pages per month |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
Ratings
| Performance | 4.3 |
| Value | 4.1 |
| Usability | 4.5 |
| Design | 3.9 |
| Reliability | 4.0 |
Recommendation
The Brother IntelliFAX-2840 is a fantastic choice for small businesses and home offices requiring a dependable, high-speed fax machine. Its robust features and reliable performance make it an excellent investment for consistent communication needs.
If you’re seeking a cost-effective and efficient solution for faxing documents and need the option for basic printing, the IntelliFAX-2840 offers exceptional value and a long-term solution for businesses or individuals who rely on secure fax transmission.
Conclusion
The Brother IntelliFAX-2840 stands out as a reliable workhorse in the realm of fax machines, offering fast transmission speeds, a high-capacity paper tray, and user-friendly operation. It’s an ideal choice for those prioritizing dependability and cost-effectiveness over advanced multifunction features.
With its commitment to robust performance and its focus on core faxing functionality, the IntelliFAX-2840 delivers a consistent and efficient solution for businesses and home offices, offering long-term value and contributing to a productive work environment.
