Brother Introduces New Performance and Workgroup Flatbed Laser Multi-Function Center Devices; New Brother MFC Products Target Wide Range of Home, Smal

Brother International Corporation today introduces three new 5-in-1 flatbed laser Multi-Function Center(R) (MFC) models - the new MFC-8440, MFC-8840D and MFC-8840DN. Common to each model is a high-speed SuperG3 33.6K bps plain paper fax, an HQ1200 (up to 2400x 600 dpi) laser printer with up to 21ppm print speeds, a flatbed digital copier (up to 21cpm), PC Fax capability, and color scanner with high-quality resolution up to 9600x9600dpi(1). The MFC-8840D and MFC-8840DN models also include paper-saving duplex (two-sided) printing, with the latter adding network-ready connectivity for workgroups. The MFC-8440 (449.99(2)) and MFC-8840D ($549.99(2)) are slated for availability in late April 2004, and MFC-8840DN ($649.99(2)) is expected to be available in May 2004.

"The multi-function product category has come a very long way in a fairly short time with more and more businesses and individuals understanding its value and benefits," says Don Cummins, Vice President of Marketing at Brother. "What these customers have come to understand is that products like those we're now introducing offer the same professional quality that they expect from multiple 'single-function' devices. They are also much more robust, offering a long, dependable life, and considerable savings in terms of space and costs."

A variety of features beyond the basic functions have contributed to an increased attractiveness of MFC products to businesses and consumers. The new Brother line of MFCs includes flatbed scanning areas that accommodate single-sheets or bound documents up to legal size. They also have faster print speeds of up to 21ppm, a large 32MB base memory capacity, and an expandable printer memory of up to 160MB(5). A 5-line back-lit LCD display makes for easy setup and operation -- all of which to makes the new Brother MFCs valuable office equipment. Cummins adds, "Features such as duplex printing and internal network cards are important added features that separate the MFC-8840D and MFC-8840DN from the competition."