** Unpacking / Optics / Connection
* The package includes in addition to the device with a toner and image drum electricity and fax cables, two CDs (Windows / MAC), a printed manual (!) As well as various short manuals and flyers.
* Immediately after unpacking, falls on the stable case, all is well glued for shipment. After removing all packaging material, first the imaging drum must be installed with toner, which thanks to the Quick Start Guide in a matter of 2 minutes. After the printer is first connected to the mains and then with network and fax. After turning on the fax configuration is then done. For the (domestic) connection no problem. When extension connection takes some time to get (in the full manual) is the "dial tone" for the unit shortly waits for a dial tone after dialing the digit or digits. Test-step sending / receiving faxes runs without problems. Also, b / w copy is created in a few seconds. It falls on the first time that there is no real output tray that prints end up in the recess inside the appliance on the front (on the toner); still well resolved, because no part protrudes from the housing.
* Installation (Network)
The installation from the CD runs under Windows XP Pro with no problems (it is respectively noted that a different routine for USB or network connection is available). Apart from the actual drivers for printers and scanners a "MFC driver" is installed, which also allows network faxing. In the manual and on the installation start page is explicitly required, the Windows firewall or any firewall running off. The installation succeeds but even without this, the firewall is automatically configured for the required ports. Furthermore, the "PaperPort" software will be playing, can be managed with the scans. After the required reboot then pops the "Installation Check" on and reports, printer and fax were not connected ... After manual switch to the correct port and then this shows "OK". That should really hammer out a network installation by itself!
** It is (not tested) also possible to connect the device via USB to a PC, but why, when a network connection is there? But after installing a similar device with USB (DCP-7030) with an acquaintance I go from just a simple installation via USB from.
** On the second CD drivers and software for Apple devices (not tested, because no Mac yet).
* Operating and Administrative
Generally, like the smooth operation. Even after 4 weeks not a single error message. The Ausrucke are quite sharp, of course, does not compare images with a good color inkjet printer. Scanning is very fast, even faxes in the network is possible. The program of choice is the "Brother Control Center 3", which scanning, copying, faxing and access to all required settings possible. Unfortunately, the default scan template for image creates a space-consuming BMP file (can be changed however); Email / Text file and other hand operate smarter and create a JPG or Text file, with email an email in the default application for mail will be immediately opened. There are for each of the different scan types (image, text, email, file) even a custom type, in which then an almost beleibiger file type can be created (BMP, JPG, TIF, PNG, PDF) the open in a likewise adjustable application / appears. Even the "Copy" can be defined own 4 types. "PC Fax" allows access to the functions of sending, receiving, address (fax) and Setup. The last area in ControlCenter3 is "Geräteeinstellunen" for "Remote Setup" (browser interface with all the settings of the device), "Numbers" (200 address book entries with fax numbers), "Status Monitor" and the user as an HTML file. The Remote Setup can be called before the software installation even if the IP address of the Brother MFC-7440N is known. Another advantage is of course on the automatic document feeder (ADF) for a maximum of 35 pages. When scanning / copying / faxing this is usefully viewed as a standard input tray.
Small disadvantage: The two-line, easy to read display has not got lighting. This is of course not optimal in a dark environment.
As additional software Brother "PaperPort" provides in version 11, which allows in addition to the editing of images to manage the scan results in conjunction with the Windows desktop, to categorize and to any applications to share (about Office programs, Acrobat Reader , Winzip, printer / fax, an FTP host (!), etc.)
* Consumables
The unit can be supplied with two different toners: TN-2110 (1.500 pages) and TN-2120 (2.600 pages).
* Guarantee
Brother provides as opposed to the competition 3 years warranty!
* CONCLUSION
Class equipment, a few small blunders during installation, almost perfect in the operation and management! Buy recommendation for network users!
*** Update March 2011 ***
The device is still running without problems, now also on Windows 7 Enterprise (64bit) and Home Premium (64bit). The latest drivers are available on the Brother website.
