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Scanner
The scanner offers up to 600 x 2400 optical resolution at 36-bit. Bundled software includes ScanSoft PaperPort and OmniPage OCR software for Windows and Presto Page Manager for Macintosh. The scanner bed is 8.5 inches wide by 11.7 inches long. In addition to the bundled software, you can scan from image editors, as well as control the scanner from any computer on the network. The image below was printed with MFC 640cw and then scanned at 200x200 dpi with the scanner.
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| This image was printed and then scanned with the MFC 640cw. Click for full view. |
The Brother TWAIN interface enables you to prescan the image, adjust the brightness and contrast, as well as the scan type (24-bit, 256 colors, true gray, gray, and black and white. Image resolution can be set from 100x100 dpi up to 19200x19200 dpi interpolated. The hardware resolution is 600x2400.
Copier
The MFC 640cw's copier functions are fairly familiar if you use a copier frequently. It features the capability to make 99 copies at a time and choose the copy quality settings, which include normal, for ordinary printouts, fast, for draft mode or proof reading, and best, which outputs at the MFC 640cw's highest resolution, but at the slowest speed. Other copy specific functions include the capability to enlarge and reduce the document, an automatic document feeder, adjust brightness, paper type, page layout, number of copies up to 99, and stack and sort.
Fax/phone mode
It is very interesting that in this age of email and wireless communications, the fax machine lives on. The MFC 640cw's 14.4bps fax modem capabilities include support for letter size color faxes, 16MB memory for a total of 480 pages, broadcast faxing up to 130 locations. And that is as a standalone fax. The device also supports sending and receiving faxes direct from the PC as well as faxing direct from the scanner glass. The MFC 640cw's phone features include a built in answering machine that supports of to 29 minutes of voice messages, full duplex speakerphone capabilities, built in telephone handset, and volume controls for both. As with most phones, you can also adjust the ring volume, beeper volume, handset volume, speed dialing, etc.
First impressions
The MFC 640cw is an ideal home office solution for those who need to update their office peripherals and would like to have just one solution on the desk. Because it is wireless, you can place it virtually anywhere, and you don't need a computer for most all of the functions, such as scanning, copying and using the PhotoCapture Center. It is a small form factor design and works well in most any small office/home office environment. Image quality of the prints are on par with dedicated printers in this price range, but you get much more than just a printer. the Brother MFC 640cw is priced at $199 and ships with a one year warranty. Consumables are reasonable, and the printer is a true CMYK unit, with four separate cartridges, so you only need to replace one cartridge when that particular cartridge is expended. The Brother is a good buy and I highly recommend it. For more information, visit www.brother.com
John Virata is senior editor of Digital Media Online. You can email him at jvirata@digitalmedianet.com
Related Sites: Creative Mac , CEN - Consumer Electronics Net , CEN - HomeOffice , CEN - Peripherals , CEN - WiFi
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