Brother HL-2070N Review: Reliable Network Laser Printer
Detailed review of the Brother HL-2070N network laser printer: features, performance, pros & cons, and who it’s perfect for.
Introduction
In today’s dynamic office environments, reliable and shared printing capabilities are more vital than ever. The constant demand for crisp documents, reports, and spreadsheets often pushes printers to their limits. Many small offices and home users grapple with issues like high ink costs, frustratingly slow print speeds, and the complexity of network connectivity. The Brother HL-2070N addresses these challenges head-on, offering a blend of performance, affordability, and network accessibility designed for shared use.
Overview
The Brother HL-2070N is a monochrome laser printer built for shared network environments. It’s more than just a printer; it’s a versatile solution for small offices and home users requiring reliable document output. Featuring a compact footprint, a user-friendly design, and integrated Ethernet connectivity, the HL-2070N provides a straightforward and cost-effective way to share printing resources. Its ability to connect to a wired network eliminates the complexities of wireless setup and maintenance, making it ideal for those seeking a dependable workhorse for essential document production.
Features
High-Resolution Laser Printing Engine: The HL-2070N boasts a resolution of 2,400 x 600 dpi (HQ1200 resolution), ensuring crisp text and sharp graphics for all your documents. This translates to professional-looking letters, reports, and spreadsheets, enhancing your overall presentation. The laser printing technology delivers consistent quality and durability, exceeding the output of many inkjet alternatives.
Integrated Network Connectivity: Unlike many printers in its class, the HL-2070N offers built-in Ethernet networking. This eliminates the need for cumbersome wireless setup and provides a stable, reliable connection for shared use within a wired network. The inclusion of PCL6 emulation ensures compatibility with a wide range of applications and operating systems.
Toner Save Mode for Cost Efficiency: Recognizing the importance of reducing operating costs, the HL-2070N features a Toner Save Mode. This mode allows you to print a higher volume of pages from each toner cartridge, lowering your long-term printing expenses. While impacting graphics quality slightly, the mode is suitable for most text-based documents.
Flexible Paper Handling with Manual Feed Slot: Beyond the standard 250-sheet paper tray, the HL-2070N includes a convenient manual feed slot. This feature allows you to print on a variety of media, including envelopes and letterhead, up to 43 lbs in weight, adding versatility for those specialized printing needs.
Benefits
Shared Printing and Network Accessibility: The integrated Ethernet connectivity allows multiple users to easily share the printer, boosting productivity and minimizing individual printer investments.
Reduced Printing Costs with Toner Save Mode: Extend the life of your toner cartridges and significantly lower your printing expenses with the integrated Toner Save Mode.
Professional-Quality Document Output: The high-resolution laser printing engine delivers crisp, clear text and sharp graphics, elevating the quality of your printed materials.
Streamlined Workflow with Simple Setup: The wired network connection simplifies the setup process and ensures a reliable connection, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Enhanced Media Versatility with Manual Feed: The manual feed slot enables you to print on a wider range of media types, from envelopes to thick letterhead.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices: The HL-2070N’s network capabilities make it ideal for home offices where multiple users need access to a shared printer.
Ideal for Small Businesses: Its reliability and shared networking functionality are perfect for small offices needing cost-effective document output.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Students can benefit from the printer’s shared printing and efficiency for academic assignments and research.
Useful for Basic Business Correspondence: This printer provides a reliable solution for businesses needing to print standard documents such as invoices and proposals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable network printing
- Affordable toner costs
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy-to-use software and driver installation
- Sharp print quality
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- Limited features compared to more advanced printers
- Manual duplexing (no automatic two-sided printing)
- Print noise can be noticeable
FAQs
What is the estimated toner yield?: The HL-2070N toner cartridge (TN-225) provides an estimated yield of 2,200 pages (based on 5% average page coverage), offering a low cost-per-page.
What is the maximum printing speed?: The printer achieves a printing speed of up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) in black, ensuring efficient output for your document needs.
How easy is the network setup?: The Ethernet connection setup is simple. Connect the printer to your network, install the drivers, and you’re ready to print.
Is this printer compatible with Mac computers?: Yes, the HL-2070N is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, providing broad usability.
What is the warranty period for this printer?: The printer comes with a one-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and protection against manufacturing defects.
Product Specifications
| Print Technology | Laser |
| DPI Resolution | 2400 x 4800 (HQ1200) |
| Ink Type | Toner Cartridge (TN-225) |
| Page Yield | 2,200 pages (TN-225) |
| Print Speed | 20 ppm |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Parallel, USB 2.0 |
| Dimensions | 17.5″ x 14″ x 16″ |
| Weight | 17.5 lbs |
| Duty Cycle | 30,000 pages per month |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited |
Ratings
| Print Quality | 4.3 |
| Connectivity | 4.0 |
| Cost Efficiency | 4.6 |
| Usability | 4.2 |
| Reliability | 4.1 |
Recommendation
The Brother HL-2070N is an excellent choice for small offices or home users who require a reliable, shared printer with network connectivity. Its affordability and ease of use make it a great value proposition.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective printer for basic document printing and sharing, the HL-2070N is a smart investment. It’s a dependable workhorse that delivers consistent results without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The Brother HL-2070N is a solid and dependable monochrome laser printer designed specifically for shared environments. Its integrated Ethernet networking capabilities, combined with its cost-effective operation and consistent print quality, make it a worthwhile investment for any organization or individual needing reliable document output.
While lacking wireless connectivity and advanced features found in more expensive models, the HL-2070N remains a compelling option for those prioritizing affordability, reliability, and ease of use. It’s a dependable printer that continues to deliver value long after the initial purchase.
