Brother DCP-J715W review

Brother’s DCP-J715W is a little more office orientated than most MFPs we see. While it doesn’t have a fax, the scanner can be used as a regular flatbed, or for making bulk copies thanks to its automatic document feeder (ADF). Despite this, Brother claims that it can create lab-quality photos in 30 seconds, and its features include a colour screen, memory card reader and PictBridge port.

Considering the price, the DCP-J715W doesn’t feel especially sturdy, particularly the scanner lid. Like many MFPs the hinges will extend directly upwards by around an inch, allowing thick originals to fit below the lid, but the whole arrangement feels approximate and flimsy. There’s a similar feel to the paper tray which is divided into holders for A4 and postcard-sized media. It’s easily flexed, and rattles when you’re filling it with paper or manually engaging the photo tray.

You can easily connect to this MFP via a wireless network, but if you’re using a USB or Ethernet cable they need to be routed under the lift-up scanner bed and into ports near the control panel. While the end result is tidy, it takes up about a foot of the cables’ length. The scanner is held up by a plastic stay reminiscent of a car bonnet, which is tricky to release without letting the top section crash down into place. After slotting the four ink cartridges into a compartment at the front, the printer prepares itself and delivers an automatic quality-test sheet.