Average Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Total Number of Reviews: 578
Editorial Review: The HL-2170W is a network, monochrome laser printer that is ideal for home or home office printer sharing. It features network connectivity via Ethernet and wireless interfaces, a fast print speed of up to 23ppm, HQ resolution (up to 2400 x 600 dpi) for high-quality output, and quick processing with 32MB memory. The HL-2170W provides flexible paper handling via an enclosed 250-sheet capacity tray and a manual by-pass slot for printing envelopes and letterhead. It also offers a Toner Save mode to extend toner life and wide compatibility with support for Windows and Mac and PCL6 emulation.
Just Awful 1 out of 5
This is the first time I have ever given a product a one star review. The wireless setup for this printer is horrible. Once I did have the setup complete (or so I thought) I was happily printing Word documents and PDF files - until I tried to print a PDF with graphics in it. I spent hours trying to determine the cause of this problem (installing updated drivers from the product's website, etc.). Finally, I gave up on having a wireless printer. I uninstalled the printer software, and reinstalled it with the USB connection (USB cable not included). Finally I can print PDF files with graphics. Unless you have another printer to use when this one quits, I would NOT recommend this printer.
Great product, lousy set up process 4 out of 5
This is a nice, budget-friendly laser printer with a lot of networking options. Unfortunately, setting these options up with the included software is a royal pain. I have a simple wireless home network with a Linksys router and two laptops, and it took me 6 hours to get the printer working properly, mainly because I foolishly followed the included documentation and setup software. If setting up your printer near your router, ignore the wireless network option and go straight for the wired network. After 6 hours, I could not get the wireless and wired options to work because the driver setup would not detect the printer. I read online an alternate way to set up using the wired network, and it worked perfectly.
For those interested in buying this printer for a simple wireless setup like mine, you'll save yourself some headache by installing the BRAdmin Light program included on the driver CD and running it to ensure it detects the printer. Plug your printer into your router using an ethernet cable. You should then be able to install the drivers using the wired network option and providing the IP for the printer (can be found using the BRAdmin program). This works on XP and Vista. I never did get the completely wireless setup to work, but since my printer is right next to the router, I really don't need to.
Print speed is decent, the monochrome print quality is good, and the compact size is nice. No autoduplex though, which is to be expected at this price. I also found generic high yield toner cartridges for about $20 after shipping on Amazon, so all in all, its a good pickup.
Great for Windows XP/7 and Ubuntu Linux 5 out of 5
I simply can't say enough good things about this printer. I first set up the wireless using Windows XP and in Ubuntu 10.04. The XP install was far more complicated (though admittedly straightforward). In Ubuntu it is as simple as System -> Administration -> Printing -> Add New Printer. Search for printers on the network and it will appear in the list on the left pane. Then just select it and Ubuntu will download the drivers.
The printer is fast, fairly quiet, and prints very nicely. What a deal!
good for an inexpensive laser 3 out of 5
This little laser does the job nicely for my husband, who needs a laser for his work. It has a small footprint, is speedy and very basic. He's happy. The price was more than right, about half what it was selling for elsewhere. It's not nearly as noisy as the inkjet I just junked.
Read the instructions 5 out of 5
This little fellow is a remarkable value. I am a Mac user (Snow Leopard system) and had allotted extra time for installation in view of some cautions from earlier reviewers. To my delight, I followed the instructions for a wired installation and it was running smoothly in just a few minutes. With extra time and an inflated confidence, I decided to add wireless capability for my second Mac, a laptop, which I really didn't need. I went from computer master to grasshopper in one click as now nothing worked including the original installation. Hours later, after downloading printer drivers from both the Brother and Mac web sites, I was no further along. Belatedly working through the detailed installation manual, I found near the end some reset instructions in the "Network" section. These included restarting the computer and pressing the "Go" button seven times. I did this, feeling like a witch from MacBeth, ran everything from scratch and was back in business.
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