Our old fax machine was part of a Dell all-in-one networked printer that bit the dust.  We had other printers in the office … but this was the only fax machine in our area.  Problems!  We sent the Dell to a recycling graveyard and bought this Brother IntelliFax Plain Paper Fax, Phone & Copier – Model # 2820.  It is a stand-alone unit that is not tied to our network printer.


Description

This black-and-white laser machine includes a Fax, Phone, and Copier.  It is promoted for use in a small business or home office.  Main features include a 14.4K bps fax modem, 8mb memory, a 250-sheet front-loading paper tray, 20-page auto document feeder (15cpm), fax and voice calls on a single line and can connect to an external answering machine, auto-dial up to 220 numbers or broadcast to up to 270 recipients, plus a built-in USB interface.  The machine measures 14.7” x 14.7” x 10.3” and weighs just over 16 pounds.

The best transmission speed is about 6 seconds per page and has a delayed transmission option.  It also holds up to 500 fax pages in memory.  Copy output resolution is 200x300 dpi with copy reduction and enlargement.  Print resolution is 1200x600 dpi.  The maximum monthly duty cycle is 10,000 printed pages with a recommended monthly print volume of 250 to 2,000 pages.

The phone handset is located at the left of the control panel.  The center of the control panel features a one-line LCD display with a Fax and Copy button beneath it.  Under those buttons are arrowed navigation keys arranged in a round compass shape.  At the left of the control panel are one-touch dialing keys, a shift key, a button for Copy options, and Fax buttons for Redial/Pause, Hook/Hold, and Resolution.  At the right of the control panel is a traditional phone-style button numbered dial pad, a reports key, Stop/Exit button, and the Start button.

Documentation includes a Quick Setup Guide in English only, with plenty of illustrations and accompanying text.  There is also a User’s Guide in English only, with a Table of Contents and Index for easy reference.  Considering the instructions are in English, it is strange that a yellow sheet with a Flammable Spray warning is printed in four languages (do not use any type of spray, alcohol or flammable substances to clean the inside or outside of the machine).

Note:  This is not an Energy Star compliant device.


Installation & Set Up

Installation of this machine is easy.  It took me about a half hour to unbox the equipment and do the install/setup.  The machine will need some dedicated space, so clear off a flat area on a sturdy table or surface.

Basically, attach the document support piece at the back of the machine, and the document output support at the front of the machine (near the control panel).  Open the front cover and insert the drum unit assembly (it slides into position), and close the front cover.  Load the paper tray at the bottom of the machine.  Plug in the AC power cord, turn the power switch on, and connect the telephone line cord into the printer and wall jack (there are illustrations).

The next part took the most time, cycling through the various menus.  There are instructions to set the date and time, se the station ID, select a receiving mode, choose a language, and setting the LCD contrast.  Other options include setting the paper type and size, selecting a ring, beeper, and handset volume.  There is a Daylight Savings Time mode, plus password security options.  If you wish, enter up to 20 fax or phone numbers, assigned to one-touch keys.  The machine also stores up to 200 speed-dial numbers.

The basic setup guide does a good job outlining initial setup, and the user’s guide fills in the gaps with more detailed information regarding machine operation.


Our Experiences

We have been using this fax machine for over three months.  We send a moderate amount of  faxes and receive them in return.  Many of the faxes that come our way are from some spam advertising location announcing everything from roofing estimates to great get-a-way vacations in too-good-to-be-true deals.  The other faxes are more important and can’t get lost.

Our crisis happened when our Dell networked printer died.  It was an all-in-one machine that did everything from sending and receiving faxes, to printing from networked computers, and also acted as our photocopier.  There are other machines in the office that can pick up printing and photocopying tasks … but this was the only fax machine in our section of the building.  Most faxes come in through it, and we were expecting some important documents.

Upon consensus, it was decided to buy a dedicated fax machine.  One that wasn’t tied to any of the computers.  Theory goes that a dedicated fax machine will receive less wear-and-tear from multi-use applications (like the networked printer).  With one purpose, the machine should last longer.  If the fax at some point develops issues, it is easy to run out to a local office supply store to purchase another one.  So far this plan is working great.

We primarily use the unit as a fax machine.  We do not use the phone at all.  The machine is simple to operate.  The fax buttons are a smooth rubberized material.  The buttons are large enough and easily push.  I like the flat paper tray, and the 250-sheet capacity works well for us.  As long as the paper tray is not filled to the top, the machine doesn’t jam.  The machine also prints out a fax transmission status sheet, letting one know if a fax was successfully sent or if the line was busy.  With the adjustable volume, it is easy to hear the signal dialing out and any noises relating to its operation. 

At times I also use the copier function.  We have another networked all-in-one machine to replace the one that died.  However, it sees a ton of use.  When I want one page copied, I don’t feel like waiting.  The Brother machine, while not super-speedy, does produce a single copy in reasonable time.  I don’t use the fax machine to copy more than one or two pages at a time, though.  It is too slow compared to other machines in the office.  The copies print well; however, the networked laser printer/copier produces better print than this Brother.  Still, when I’m in a hurry, this Brother spits out the copy I need. 

The toner cartridge is lasting a good time.  It is rated at printing 1,500 pages with 5-percent coverage.  We’ve been using the fax for over three months and are still on the original cartridge that came with the machine.  I purchased a replacement full-size cartridge to have on hand.  A regular cartridge is rated to print 2,500 pages.  The drum lasts for 12,000 pages.


Purchasing

We bought this machine at Staples for $189.99.  A replacement toner cartridge sells at Staples.com for $72.99 (the Staples Advantage program sells it to me for $55.79 a cartridge).

There are three consumables involved with this printer:  a Drum Unit (DR-350), Toner Cartridge (TN-350), and Paper.


Summary

This Brother IntelliFax machine is working well for us.  It’s a great dedicated fax machine with a copy feature (if needed).  It offers a lot of options for customization, too.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Please read my other reviews:

HP MultiPurpose Paper

Staples Copy Paper

Fiskars Portable Paper Trimmer

Swingline Portable Electric Stapler

Swingline Electric 3-Hole Punch

Brother P-Touch Label Maker

Bunn VPR 12-Cup Pourover Coffee Brewer with 2 Warmers

Keurig B50 Gourmet Single Cup Brewer

Holmes Whisper Quiet Power Heater Fan

Copyright 2012 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes