Customer Rating: Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5
Summary: Not working with Vista!
Comment: in general the device is really good, the main problem is that many time sit just won't print, due to configuration problems with Vista os.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5
Summary: Nortorious Brother MFC Error 41 (or equiv) Fatal Failures
Comment: ...I currently have a MFC-3420C. It had it's 3rd and fatal Error 41 failure April 4, 2008. The first two were fixed by Brother warranty. But, this fatal error is out of warranty. The local repair facility wants $120 to fix it.
...I write this review because I have read many dozens of reviews about the Error 41 (or equiv) and this fatal failure is common to many of Bothers MFC ink-jet printers, including the 38XX models. It usually takes about 6 months or so for the failure to occur.
...One would hope that Brother finally fixed the flaw and that it does NOT apply to the MFC-5460cn. I really liked the 3420. It never gave me any problems except for the Fatal Error 41s; which, of course, is not too good and there are a jillion previous Brother MFC ink-jet owners who really hate Brother!

Customer Rating: Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5
Summary: not great but has features
Comment: had caller id feature but only the first few data characters are displayed- that means the name and not the phone number are actually seen on the top display line. Can print out the numbers as a list from memory but not useful after you've picked up the call. Can fax, copy, network print, and scan from pc on network so is multifunctional. Like how there are separate ink cartridges for 4 colors so you can replace only the empty ones. small and compact and paper tray does not stick out. print from flash card is useful but can't find some pictures depending on how your camera set up the directory. hard to turn on/off because button doesn't work all the time and not energy star compliant. cables snake through casing is awkward. Takes a while to prepare before it spits out the pages.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5Average rating of 1/5
Summary: Dissapointed
Comment: Poor quality printing, and blurry photo printing. Brother sent me a new unit, which was nice, but new one was no better. I really want my money back, but somehow I don't think Brother is going to fork it over.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: Fair priced option for a networked home
Comment: I still don't understand those so called "product managers". With Apple and Microsoft moving towards a "digitally connected home" I was shocked to discover that networked home focused AIO are still rare. Most of the available options are still to expensive and targeting small offices.

My choice was kind of a challenge, my AIO had to offer:

- Networked scanner without need of any software installation on workstations;
- Linux compatible;
- Fair print quality;
- Low price;

Some of my daily use computers are owned by my employer, something that prevents me from having tones of software installed on the computer. Not that I cannot explain that to the company, but, wouldn't it be better if I don't need to explain?

After searching for a while I found this MFC for a good price on a local store (sorry amazon, but you don't ship that overseas! 8D ).

I'm kind of a techie type but install was extremely easy: Just follow the instructions and the system will work (XP wise). Print quality is decent, some sites will say that the quality is poor but I found no base to support this claim. I've printed a self made test page and even Pt 6 times new roman characters are clear.

Scan is fair and if you are not expecting the best scanner in the planet and a perfectly aligned ADF. Have in mind this equipment is CHEAP and you won't be that disappointed.

I do most of my scanning using only the firmware. Just insert a compact flash card (i had some old ones at my photo bag) and you have a FTP enabled network scanner, perfect for your geek network setup.

Speed is good, suitable for normal home operations, and even for a small office. I've seen people complaining about paper feed/jam. I'm currently using plain 80gsm paper. No issues so far. Did some feed tests with DL envelopes (110x220mm). No problems as well.

Overall a good choice.

Pros:
- Simple network setup;
- 100% network enabled system.
- Scan to PDF direct on memory card or FTP over the network;
- Cheap

Cons:
- It isn't that slow but it could be faster;
- Plain paper can get pretty soaked with ink;
- Standalone scanner feature could have a higher range of resolutions. 200x200 dpi black and white produces fast but poor scans and the color 300dpi larger files for what could be only B&W PDF.