Okay, I have to share this with you because we're like printer bros now: this is NOT a laser printer, it's an LED printer. I was suspicion of the "laser like quality" verbiage in the product marketing. If it's a laser printer why the obfuscation? Why not just say it's a laser printer? And I was right! This, and many like it, are NOT laser printers, they're LED printers. It's a marketing thing. Everyone knows what a laser printer is but no one except old people like me remember LED printers. Ironically LED printers are economically better: drastically improved longevity, much lower product cost, and lower maintenance. But it's not a laser printer. And I don't care. It's a shame they have to be so deceptive in marketing since printer makers already have such a terrible reputation. I just had to share this with someone and my cat just doesn't seem to care no matter how many times I explain the differences.
Well...dang. I was looking at it becuase the price was attractive compared to the Canon Laser printer I had been looking at for months. Thank you for the head's up.
as we mentioned the output is quite good. be sure to compare the cost of printer cartridges when looking for a color "laser" printer too. We struggled with the decision but in the end we are happy with our choice. let us know how you like the Canon.
Maximum 100 pages print out the printer but printer display show toner replace error, and how to reset page counter, another model printer page counter option is available but this model HL-L3280CDW printer how to reset?
Are you saying you could only print 100 pages? Have you tried reinserting the toner cartridges? As for reset I don't know how to do that. Brother support would be best to answer your questions.
Can the paper tray accommodate legal size paper (8.5 inch X 14 inch)? If not then do you think that such long paper size can still be printed with that printer if is fed manually?
@@HutS-e5c if you look at their specifications on their product page they outline the sizes. Paper Handling Size - Paper Tray Letter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, A6, B5, B6, Folio (8" x 13") Keep in mind this is their newest printer the 3280.
@@Appmyhome Now I can see it. Thank you for helping me find it in Specifications --> Paper Handling Size. I find the legal size paper is mentioned also in the same path on the product page for the 3220. The only drawback now in the 3280 is its screen always up so you cannot cover the top surface with a cloth to protect it from dust and in the same time use that top surface to put things. Therefore I prefer the 3220 model.
@@Appmyhome Sounds like a good alternative for basic documents. Unfortunately I'd still need to keep my existing Brother multi-function printer for doing hi-res scans though, and for that reason I can't see myself buying this colour printer.
The toner prices aren’t bad, you do have to buy four since it’s a color printer. Brother has a subscription service that will save you some money. Not sure if it’s required but we tend to only buy the manufacturer cartridges so we don’t have any problems.
Something happened to the video when you entered your WiFi password can you post that in the comments? Thanks. Oh, also how many pages do you get from the starter toner cartridges?
@@Appmyhome I was looking for your WiFi password. It would also be helpful if I had your mother's maiden name, SSN, CC# and expiration and the code on the back. 😜
@@Appmyhome I literally just bought this printer, like five minutes ago. Refills are expensive at $150, on average, and I saw some say "with chip" so do you have any idea what that means? I'm furiously googling now... Found it, the ones without chips require you to remove "the chip" from the original cartridges and the ones with chips don't. Sounds legit.
I can see why you ask. keep in mind each color will expire at different times depending on the colors in your prints. Brother obviously are the most cost but then if you get the off brand you would risk issues as brother of course points out. like I said since this review we haven’t yet replaced any of the cartridges.
This printer is a ripoff. I’ve just returned mine and I will never buy any Brother printers again. The problem is the fact that the printer counts how many pages you print. I have only ever printed in black and white, but the printer told me that the cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges were all completely out of toner and completely bricked the printer until I purchased new cartridges. It doesn’t actually check to see how much toner is in the cartridge; it simply tells you it’s out even if it’s completely full, and it won’t let you print anything else unless you give Brother money. Don’t buy this printer. Don’t fall for this cash-grab scam.
Our printer shows the tank levels for each color as a graph. I don't see any "counts" listed anywhere. What computer or program are you using to check? And our levels look about right for the type of printing we do.
@@Appmyhome Obviously you have no clue how this printer works. Google it. The chip on the left side of the drum counts how many pages you print. Even printing in black and white, the printer will still say you’re out of magenta, cyan, and yellow because “well you’ve printed X number of pages.” The “tank levels” you’re referring to reflect how many pages you’ve printed-NOT how much ink is actually in the cartridges. Other models have hidden menus to reset the counter on the chip, but the 3280CDW has no way to reset the counter.
Hi. did some testing on our unit. looking at the machine info for page count we see that it shows total number of pages, color pages and BW pages. If an applications print dialog is set to color the counter counts the page as color even if the page only has BW content. If you set the application printer dialog to print as BW only then the BW print counter increases. Using the Brother iPrint and Scan app shows a graphic showing the amount of ink left in each cartridge. As for the count causing you to replace all printer cartridges that we cannot test as our printer is only a month or so old so we haven't hit any magic numbers. What did Brother support say when you checked with them about this?
@@Appmyhome The woman at Brother support stated that, while older model printers have a way to reset the page counter, the 3280CDW does not. As a result, I had toners that were completely full of ink, but the page counters stated that the toners have reached capacity and wouldn’t let me print anything else until I replaced the toner cartridges. So I returned the printer.
Okay, I have to share this with you because we're like printer bros now: this is NOT a laser printer, it's an LED printer. I was suspicion of the "laser like quality" verbiage in the product marketing. If it's a laser printer why the obfuscation? Why not just say it's a laser printer?
And I was right! This, and many like it, are NOT laser printers, they're LED printers. It's a marketing thing. Everyone knows what a laser printer is but no one except old people like me remember LED printers. Ironically LED printers are economically better: drastically improved longevity, much lower product cost, and lower maintenance. But it's not a laser printer. And I don't care. It's a shame they have to be so deceptive in marketing since printer makers already have such a terrible reputation.
I just had to share this with someone and my cat just doesn't seem to care no matter how many times I explain the differences.
That is why we say “laser like”. We almost didn’t get it until we researched more. We can say the output is really good.
Just easier, like roll the window down when they are all electric now...........
Well...dang. I was looking at it becuase the price was attractive compared to the Canon Laser printer I had been looking at for months. Thank you for the head's up.
as we mentioned the output is quite good. be sure to compare the cost of printer cartridges when looking for a color "laser" printer too. We struggled with the decision but in the end we are happy with our choice. let us know how you like the Canon.
Great review. No waste of time. Answered my questions - especially about the touchscreen. Thanks!
Thank you glad it was helpful. Let us know how you like it.
Maximum 100 pages print out the printer but printer display show toner replace error, and how to reset page counter, another model printer page counter option is available but this model HL-L3280CDW printer how to reset?
Are you saying you could only print 100 pages? Have you tried reinserting the toner cartridges? As for reset I don't know how to do that. Brother support would be best to answer your questions.
Can the paper tray accommodate legal size paper (8.5 inch X 14 inch)? If not then do you think that such long paper size can still be printed with that printer if is fed manually?
Hi, yes the paper tray can accommodate Legal size paper (and A4)
@@Appmyhome Are you sure? The Brother website mentions the legal size paper only for the models HL-L3230CDW and HL-L3270CDW, not your model.
Well I looked at the tray and it has a setting for legal and A4.
@@HutS-e5c if you look at their specifications on their product page they outline the sizes. Paper Handling Size - Paper Tray Letter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, A6, B5, B6, Folio (8" x 13")
Keep in mind this is their newest printer the 3280.
@@Appmyhome Now I can see it. Thank you for helping me find it in Specifications --> Paper Handling Size.
I find the legal size paper is mentioned also in the same path on the product page for the 3220.
The only drawback now in the 3280 is its screen always up so you cannot cover the top surface with a cloth to protect it from dust and in the same time use that top surface to put things. Therefore I prefer the 3220 model.
It's a shame this doesn't come with the ability to scan. I wonder if they do a compact color LED printer with that feature?
They make a version with the scanner. As for compact, the scanner adds a bit of size. #ad amzn.to/4ec2zbb
BTW, for iPhones we use the Notes App scan feature and it works great. Now we don't miss having the scanner.
@@Appmyhome Sounds like a good alternative for basic documents. Unfortunately I'd still need to keep my existing Brother multi-function printer for doing hi-res scans though, and for that reason I can't see myself buying this colour printer.
How are toner prices? Do you have to use Brother toner? Thanks.
The toner prices aren’t bad, you do have to buy four since it’s a color printer. Brother has a subscription service that will save you some money. Not sure if it’s required but we tend to only buy the manufacturer cartridges so we don’t have any problems.
@@Appmyhome Just money problems
Well done video. It might be helpful to see a close up of the printing
Good idea!
Is there a video that shows how to replace the drum?
We haven’t had to do so yet. Did find this video at the brother site that might be similar ua-cam.com/video/YXZ8Psgc1uo/v-deo.htmlsi=hYXBd8bcSKqC-j9R
Thorough thank you
you are welcome. did you pick one up?
@Appmyhome not yet. I'm definitely about to. I'd use your link, I just stay away from Amazon on big purchases (personal preference)
can this printer be used to print with vinal sheet paper?
not sure. we only use paper. best to check with brother support.
According to one site that sell Vinyl paper it seems that yes, it says Premium Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper for Inkjet Printer and Laser
Does it Svan or print only?
this model prints only. there is a model with a scanner too.
Is this an ink jet or Laser ( is it capable of air print?)
Actually it's LED, sort of like a laser but using an LED instead. The print is quite good. And yes you can AirPrint.
Thank you
You're welcome
Something happened to the video when you entered your WiFi password can you post that in the comments? Thanks.
Oh, also how many pages do you get from the starter toner cartridges?
Hi Mike, not sure what you mean about something happened, what is it you are looking for? So, so far we haven't had to change the cartridge.
@@Appmyhome I was looking for your WiFi password. It would also be helpful if I had your mother's maiden name, SSN, CC# and expiration and the code on the back. 😜
LOL Mike.
@@Appmyhome I literally just bought this printer, like five minutes ago. Refills are expensive at $150, on average, and I saw some say "with chip" so do you have any idea what that means? I'm furiously googling now... Found it, the ones without chips require you to remove "the chip" from the original cartridges and the ones with chips don't. Sounds legit.
I can see why you ask. keep in mind each color will expire at different times depending on the colors in your prints. Brother obviously are the most cost but then if you get the off brand you would risk issues as brother of course points out. like I said since this review we haven’t yet replaced any of the cartridges.
This printer is a ripoff. I’ve just returned mine and I will never buy any Brother printers again.
The problem is the fact that the printer counts how many pages you print. I have only ever printed in black and white, but the printer told me that the cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges were all completely out of toner and completely bricked the printer until I purchased new cartridges. It doesn’t actually check to see how much toner is in the cartridge; it simply tells you it’s out even if it’s completely full, and it won’t let you print anything else unless you give Brother money.
Don’t buy this printer. Don’t fall for this cash-grab scam.
Our printer shows the tank levels for each color as a graph. I don't see any "counts" listed anywhere. What computer or program are you using to check? And our levels look about right for the type of printing we do.
@@Appmyhome Obviously you have no clue how this printer works. Google it. The chip on the left side of the drum counts how many pages you print. Even printing in black and white, the printer will still say you’re out of magenta, cyan, and yellow because “well you’ve printed X number of pages.” The “tank levels” you’re referring to reflect how many pages you’ve printed-NOT how much ink is actually in the cartridges. Other models have hidden menus to reset the counter on the chip, but the 3280CDW has no way to reset the counter.
Hi. did some testing on our unit. looking at the machine info for page count we see that it shows total number of pages, color pages and BW pages. If an applications print dialog is set to color the counter counts the page as color even if the page only has BW content. If you set the application printer dialog to print as BW only then the BW print counter increases. Using the Brother iPrint and Scan app shows a graphic showing the amount of ink left in each cartridge.
As for the count causing you to replace all printer cartridges that we cannot test as our printer is only a month or so old so we haven't hit any magic numbers. What did Brother support say when you checked with them about this?
@@Appmyhome The woman at Brother support stated that, while older model printers have a way to reset the page counter, the 3280CDW does not. As a result, I had toners that were completely full of ink, but the page counters stated that the toners have reached capacity and wouldn’t let me print anything else until I replaced the toner cartridges. So I returned the printer.
@@Appmyhome It's not ink dummy