Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer,

Overview of the Brother DCP-L2640DW and Canon PIXMA TR160

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser printer, while the Canon PIXMA TR160 is a lightweight portable printer designed for on-the-go use. The DCP-L2640DW is priced at $209.99, and is geared towards small businesses needing high-volume printing, scanning, and copying. In contrast, the PIXMA TR160 costs $219.99, appealing to users who prioritize portability and versatility in printing.

Printing Capabilities

The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers fast printing with speeds up to 36 pages per minute, making it ideal for high-volume tasks. It produces high-quality black and white prints, which is a significant advantage for businesses that require consistent document output. On the other hand, the Canon PIXMA TR160 prints documents and photos up to 8.5” x 11” with a 5-Color Hybrid Ink System, ensuring vibrant color and sharp text. While the DCP-L2640DW excels in speed, the TR160 stands out for its color printing capabilities.

Portability and Design

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is designed for portability, being lightweight and compact enough to fit into a bag or backpack. Its optional battery means users can print from almost anywhere, which is a significant advantage for professionals on the move. In contrast, the Brother DCP-L2640DW, while compact, is more suited for a stationary office environment. Its design prioritizes productivity over portability, making it less ideal for those who need to print while traveling.

Connectivity Options

The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers versatile connectivity options, including dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB 2.0, allowing users to connect multiple devices seamlessly. This makes it a great fit for an office setting where multiple computers might need access to the printer. Conversely, the Canon PIXMA TR160 features a user-friendly connection process through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service, along with a Wireless Direct Mode for direct connections without a router. While both printers offer wireless capabilities, the Brother model provides a more robust set of connection options.

User Experience and Ease of Use

The Brother DCP-L2640DW comes with the Brother Mobile Connect app, allowing users to manage their printer from virtually anywhere. This app enhances the user experience by facilitating easy printing, scanning, and supply management. The Canon PIXMA TR160 also prioritizes user experience with its 1.44” OLED display, which simplifies checking ink levels and printer status. While both printers emphasize ease of use, the Brother DCP-L2640DW has a slight edge with its comprehensive app features aimed at business productivity.

Applications and Versatility

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is marketed as the best choice for small businesses, combining printing, scanning, and copying in one device. It effectively meets the demands of high-volume office tasks, boasting a 50-page automatic document feeder for quick multi-page jobs. Meanwhile, the Canon PIXMA TR160 shines in versatility, allowing users to print high-quality documents and borderless photos with ease. This makes it suitable for both professional documents and creative projects, catering to a broader range of printing needs.

Pricing and Value

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is priced at $209.99, making it about 9% cheaper than the Canon PIXMA TR160, which retails for $219.99. While the price difference is not significant, the value proposition varies with the DCP-L2640DW offering multiple functionalities tailored for business use, while the TR160 focuses on portability and versatility in printing. Thus, the better value depends on the primary use case—office productivity versus mobile printing.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother DCP-L2640DW and the Canon PIXMA TR160 largely depends on your specific needs. If you require a fast, efficient printer for high-volume black and white printing in a small business environment, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is the clear choice with its added features for productivity. However, if you prioritize portability, versatility, and the ability to print vibrant color documents and photos on the go, the Canon PIXMA TR160 would be more suitable for your needs. Each printer excels in its domain, making the decision dependent on whether you value speed and efficiency or portability and color printing capabilities.