The list of technical data, I can probably give me that, the manufacturer has already done.
The price on the Brother website of EUR 169.00 will be significantly lower than from numerous suppliers.
For me personally were the decisive purchase criteria:
1) networking
2) ink cartridges in single, convenient third-party inks available
3) price / performance ratio
Installation and commissioning:
Here one should be guided by the instructions. (The safe way ...)
After unpacking and inspection of the enclosed accessories it went off (tape) by removing the numerous transportation safety.
Load paper in the gratifying large cassette (150 sheets) and adjust. As with Brother usual, this is also simple and intuitive without engineering studies. (Just in case you still the guide ...)
Connecting the cable for power supply and fax. Anyone who wants can also connect an external telephone later directly to the MFC. The sockets are clearly labeled (EXT / LINE).
The only date to be ascertained for me negative thing about this device is the location of these three ports. On the rear panel, this would have been better off in my opinion than on the left side.
The next step is the insertion of the ink cartridge is provided. These are fortunately installed in a door on the front panel, which provided places for each cartridge are distinctive by colored markings. So take off transportation protective caps and keep good (for later possibly necessary additional transport), remove the vacuum seal of the ink cartridges and the cartridges.
After inserting the cartridge, the device begint automatically with the production of operational readiness. (Apparently, the way of cartridge must be filled for the first time to the print head.) Then calls for a display message on the launch of the print quality test and asks individual confirmations from easy to understand.
Then date and time are set. This is also easy to menu navigation. The next step is entering the Absenderkenung using the numeric keypad on the device. Who do occasionally puzzled SMS, will have no problems here.
Last still adjust the connection type on the menu and this part of the start-up is also "through".
Now comes for people with multiple PCs or PC + Laptop spoiled for choice. USB and thus connected to a computer or direct integration into the network. (If only one PC E. USB variant is m. Meaningful.)
I opted for the network version.
Pull out the plug, raise and lock cover (Platen).
Here you will find next to each other a USB B connector and an RJ45 socket for the network cable. Plug in the cable and carry on the dedicated channel to the rear of the device and then plug in the router, switch, or network outlet. Last Close housing cover and reconnect power again.
The rest is even easier. Insert the CD into the computer and perform the initial installation of the "MFL Pro Suite". The device is automatically detected on the network. During installation you can wide webs starting preferences assume, but also adjust to request the IP address even after your own specifications.
If desired, any additional programs (explanation in the manual) can be installed and / or the installation be carried out on other computers on the network.
Done.
It all sounds "enormously powerful", but more than about half an hour should all take far hardly. So is not that bad.
In Control Center (part of the software installed), you can even special settings such as the selection of another printer (or virtual printer such as PDF Creator), or the location and the document type for scanned documents or received faxes. Can - do not have to!
Also not too bad and even for non-PC freaks easily solved.
During operation, the / the / the MFC-5490CN is absolutely no problem. About the two-line display Status messages are displayed or if required, options when scanning / copying / faxing displayed.
I've printed so far, both color and black / white documents and was completely satisfied with the printed image in each case. No smudges or ink splashes, clear boundaries and - where desired - clean gradients. Also, the term of photos on plain paper (photographic paper I have not yet bought me) was absolutely satisfactory.
When scanning and faxing Einzelbättern the document feeder is very useful because it avoids the center and guide the case of manual placing on platens often unavoidable slight Schägen and uneven edges.
Fax is optionally as a standalone fax machine or possible from the PC, here can include a cover page will be used. By phone memory you have to type in not long numbers manually again. Various settings are available for the transmission and reception reports.
Overall I am very happy with this purchase and can in good conscience awarded the full "score". The only found small (and mentioned) weakness is purely subjective, perhaps like other users, the lateral connections so dear. ;)
The question of whether I would buy this product again or recommend a good friend, I can fully answer "Yes".
