The Ultimate Showdown: Brother MFC-J1010DW vs Brother MFC-J1170DW

Choosing the right printer for your home or small office can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re considering an inkjet printer from Brother, two popular models often come up in the conversation: the MFC-J1010DW and the MFC-J1170DW. Both offer a range of features and functionalities, but which one is truly the better choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW to help you make an informed decision.

Print Speed and Quality: A Tale of Two Printers

Both the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW are known for their reliable printing capabilities. However, there are some notable differences in their print speeds and overall quality.
The MFC-J1010DW delivers a respectable print speed of 12 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and 8 ppm for color. The MFC-J1170DW, on the other hand, boasts a slightly faster print speed of 15 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color. This difference in speed might seem minor, but it can be significant if you frequently print large volumes of documents.
In terms of print quality, both printers produce sharp and clear text, making them suitable for everyday tasks like printing documents, emails, and web pages. However, the MFC-J1170DW might offer a slight edge in photo printing, thanks to its advanced ink technology.

Connectivity Options: Staying Connected in the Digital Age

Both the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW offer a comprehensive set of connectivity options to ensure seamless integration into your existing workflow. Both models support Wi-Fi printing, allowing you to print wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They also feature USB connectivity for direct printing from your computer.
The MFC-J1170DW takes connectivity a step further by adding support for NFC (Near Field Communication). This feature enables effortless printing by simply tapping your NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet to the printer. While the MFC-J1010DW lacks this feature, it still offers a convenient way to print from mobile devices.

Paper Handling: Managing Your Documents with Ease

Paper handling is a crucial aspect of any printer, especially if you print frequently. The Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW both offer a standard paper tray with a capacity of 150 sheets. This is sufficient for most home and small office users.
However, the MFC-J1170DW includes an additional 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), which allows you to scan, copy, and fax multi-page documents without manual intervention. The MFC-J1010DW lacks this feature, making it less convenient for handling larger document volumes.

Scanning and Copying: Beyond Just Printing

Both the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW are more than just printers; they also offer scanning and copying functionalities. Both models feature a flatbed scanner that can handle documents and photos. They also support automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning and copying.
The MFC-J1170DW, however, has a higher resolution scanner (4800 x 4800 dpi) compared to the MFC-J1010DW (1200 x 2400 dpi), which could result in sharper and more detailed scans.

Faxing Functionality: Staying Connected the Traditional Way

For businesses and individuals who still rely on faxing, both the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW offer built-in fax capabilities. They allow you to send and receive faxes directly from your printer. Both models also feature a dedicated fax memory to store incoming faxes when the printer is offline.

Ink Cartridges and Running Costs: A Closer Look

Inkjet printers are known for their relatively low upfront cost but can be expensive to maintain in the long run due to the cost of ink cartridges. Both the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW use individual ink cartridges for each color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).
While the initial cost of ink cartridges may be comparable, the MFC-J1170DW might offer a slight advantage in terms of ink efficiency. This is because it uses a slightly more advanced ink technology that optimizes ink usage. However, the actual cost per page will depend on your printing habits and the type of documents you print.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Printer for You

So, which printer is the better choice between the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable printer with basic functionalities, the Brother MFC-J1010DW is a solid option. Its print speed, connectivity options, and paper handling capabilities are sufficient for most home and small office users.
However, if you need a printer with more advanced features and capabilities, the Brother MFC-J1170DW is a better choice. Its faster print speed, NFC connectivity, automatic document feeder, and higher resolution scanner make it a more versatile and powerful machine.

Beyond the Comparison: Finding the Perfect Match

While the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW are both excellent printers, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities before making a decision.

• Print Volume: If you print frequently, the MFC-J1170DW’s faster print speed and automatic document feeder will come in handy.
• Connectivity: If you need NFC connectivity for effortless printing from your mobile devices, the MFC-J1170DW is the way to go.
• Scanning and Copying: The MFC-J1170DW’s higher resolution scanner is ideal for producing sharper and more detailed scans.
• Budget: The MFC-J1010DW is a more affordable option, while the MFC-J1170DW comes with a slightly higher price tag.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the printer that best meets your requirements and budget.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Can I use third-party ink cartridges with the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW?
A1: While you can use third-party ink cartridges, it’s not recommended. Using non-genuine ink cartridges can void your printer’s warranty and may also lead to print quality issues and damage to your printer.
Q2: Is there a way to reduce ink consumption on these printers?
A2: Yes, there are a few ways to reduce ink consumption. You can use draft mode for printing documents, enable automatic duplex printing, and print multiple pages on a single sheet of paper.
Q3: How often should I replace the ink cartridges?
A3: The frequency of ink cartridge replacement depends on your printing habits. It’s best to monitor the ink levels and replace them when they run low.
Q4: Can I print directly from my smartphone or tablet without a computer?
A4: Yes, both the Brother MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW support Wi-Fi printing, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Q5: What is the difference between the MFC-J1010DW and MFC-J1170DW in terms of warranty?
A5: Both models typically come with a one-year warranty. However, you can extend the warranty for an additional fee.