Decided to get this printer after a great review on Crave CNet.
Purchased this printer from NewEgg for under $100 shipped (price changes since last visited).
Super fast shipping. The whole package weights under 5 lbs.
Wireless set up was very tricky. As other reviewers’ have commented setting up the wireless configuration can be time consuming. The instructions that came with the printer were not great. Set up took me 2 hours to get it work. (note: If you have a wireless detection device—view wireless network > click on “Set up”). However, once you have the printer wireless configuration set all you need to do is load the drivers to the other printer. My wife has a Mac, which was easier to set up.
Here are my steps:
Steps to reinstall printer (w/ apple router)
1. Remove all old driver (Brother has an uninstall app)
2. Restart the printer to default settings
a. Turn off printer
b. Hold blue button and turn on printer
c. Wait for all lights to turn on, then let go
d. Press blue button 8x
e. Printer should make boot up noise
3. Reset the printer network card to default settings
a. Turn off printer
b. Hold blue button and turn on printer
c. Wait for all lights to turn on, then let go
d. Press blue button 7x
e. Printer should make boot up noise
f. hold on blue button for 15 sec till printer paper prints. Validate that the printer is active (first node).
4. Switch your IP connect to “SETUP”
5. Put install disc in (Wireless set up)
a. Choose wireless set up
b. Find Brother Printer
c. Find your SSID (your home internet name)
d. Select WPA and PSK NOTE: This is for the apple router only
e. System should now printer confirm print out. Look for
i.
6. Install driver
a. Your install should find the printer. If not, then restart and start from beginning
b. NOTE: Used Apple Bonjour to find printer for one PC
Once set-up, the printer works like a charm. Fast and efficient. The printer is small enough to fit on my bookshelf, a plus for my small office.
Overall, I really like this printer. Wireless set-up is a pain (mostly in part of user error) but manageable. Great for small offices! The price was a great deal for a laser printer.
Rating: 4 out of 5. (1 pt off because of printer set up and cost of toner).
Note: I did lose connection to the printer once.. but that was due to my crappy home Wifi Network (not a fault of the printer).
For Mac instructions: http://pub.brother.com/pub/com/pdf/hl2170w_wireless/wireless_mac_hl2170w.pdf
