Laser multifunction recommendations

[Ron Martell]

The fax machine (14 years old) and photocopier (acquired used 8 years
ago) in my home office are both showing serious signs of age and I am
contemplating replacing both with a b/w laser multifunction machine.

I am currently looking seriously at the HP LaserJet 3030 because of my
consistent good experience with HP printing products over the years,
but have also looked at the Brother MFC7820N as the built-in
networking has some definite advantages.

One question I have with regard to the Brother machine is if it has
the ability to trigger fax reception from another phone. We use one
phone line for both business and home, with a "smart ring" number for
faxes. However some faxes persist in coming to the regular number and
with my existing fax machine it can be switched on by pressing a
specified key sequence from any extension phone in the house. I know
the HP LJ3030 has this capability as well, but I have been unable to
find anything regarding the Brother unit in this regard.

Any comments (good or bad) regarding either of these models, or about
comparable offerings from other manufacturs, would be appreciated.

Thanks
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

 

[ken smith]

Hey Ron,
Go with the HP. Brother consummables are very expensive and their support is
next to non-existant.
They should stick to sewing machines. If you do need a part be prepared to
wait about 6 weeks.

 

[Tony]

Hey Ron,
Go with the HP. Brother consummables are very expensive and their support is
next to non-existant.
They should stick to sewing machines. If you do need a part be prepared to
wait about 6 weeks.

I have to support that, what a shame that Brother who produce very
competitively priced lasers can't provide decent spare parts support. I have
known a warranty repair take nearly 7 weeks waiting for a part and the local
Brother company would not replace the printer despite the pain suffered by the
customer. Not nearly good enough.
Tony

 

[Taliesyn]

Hey Ron,
Go with the HP. Brother consummables are very expensive and their support is
next to non-existant.
They should stick to sewing machines. If you do need a part be prepared to
wait about 6 weeks.

And this is the same company that in Canada has been pushing themselves
in TV ads as being oh so reliable? . . .

-Taliesyn