Introduction

The Brother DCP-L3520CDW promises a versatile 3-in-1 solution for home or small office printing needs, boasting wireless connectivity and a claimed print speed of up to 18ppm. But does it live up to the hype? After several weeks of rigorous testing, printing everything from simple text documents to complex graphics, I’m ready to share my findings. This review will delve into the DCP-L3520CDW’s features, performance, and overall value.

Key Features

The DCP-L3520CDW offers a comprehensive suite of features, including wireless printing, copying, and scanning capabilities. The ease of setup was a pleasant surprise; the printer connected to my Wi-Fi network without any significant issues. The control panel is intuitive, making navigation simple. Its compact design is ideal for space-constrained environments. The 512MB internal memory is a definite plus, allowing for quick access to frequently used documents. The claimed 18ppm print speed is a key selling point, and we’ll explore its real-world performance in the next section.

Performance and Print Quality

In my tests, the DCP-L3520CDW consistently delivered print speeds close to the advertised 18ppm for monochrome documents. Colour prints were slightly slower, but still respectable. Print quality was generally excellent; text was crisp and clear, and images were vibrant with good detail, although I did notice a slight graininess on some photo prints at higher resolutions. The scanner functioned flawlessly, producing accurate and sharp scans. The copy function also performed well, producing consistent copies with accurate colour reproduction. The paper handling mechanism was reliable, and I encountered no paper jams during testing.

However, it’s worth noting that print speeds can be affected by factors such as document complexity and network conditions. I did experience slightly slower speeds when printing documents with high-resolution images or complex graphics. Also, the initial warm-up time before the first print is a little longer than some competitors.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Fast print speed, good print quality, wireless connectivity, easy setup, compact design, 512MB internal memory, reliable scanner and copier.
• Cons: Slightly slower color print speeds, slight graininess on some photo prints, longer initial warm-up time.

Final Verdict

The Brother DCP-L3520CDW provides a solid and reliable all-in-one printing solution for home or small office use. Its fast print speeds, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive features make it a compelling choice. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as slightly slower color printing, the overall performance and value make it a worthy contender in its class. I would happily recommend the DCP-L3520CDW to anyone seeking a capable and versatile printer without breaking the bank.