Canon imageCLASS MF287dw Review: A Monochrome Workhorse for the Modern Small Office
The Canon imageCLASS MF287dw is an all-in-one monochrome laser printer designed to be the backbone of any small to home office (SOHO) environment. By combining high-speed performance, extensive features, and a compact footprint, this device aims to be a true workhorse, handling printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs with minimal fuss.
In this comprehensive review, we delve into the key specifications and features to determine if the MF287dw lives up to its promise as a reliable, high-efficiency multifunction laser printer.
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| Canon imageCLASS MF287dw Review: A Monochrome Workhorse for the Modern Small Office |
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Functionality | 4-in-1 (Print, Copy, Scan, Fax) |
| Print Technology | Monochrome Laser |
| Print Speed | Up to 35 pages per minute (PPM) |
| Print Resolution | Up to $1200 \times 1200$ DPI (Equivalent) |
| Duplexing | Automatic (2-sided) Printing |
| Document Feeder | 35-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet Standard Cassette |
| Connectivity | Wireless ($802.11 \text{ b/g/n}$), Ethernet, USB 2.0 |
| Control Panel | 6-Line Touchscreen LCD with Tilted Panel |
| Mobile Compatibility | Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Canon PRINT Business app |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
Performance and Speed: Lightning Fast Mono Printing
The primary selling point of the imageCLASS MF287dw is its sheer speed. Rated for up to 35 pages per minute (PPM), this printer is a powerhouse for monochrome document production. In real-world testing, this speed makes a noticeable difference, especially when dealing with large reports or multiple print jobs.
The First Print Out Time (FPOT) is also impressive, clocking in at approximately 4.9 seconds or less. This quick start time is crucial in a busy office where documents are often printed one or two pages at a time. The laser technology ensures crisp, sharp text, even at small font sizes, making it ideal for professional correspondence and technical documents.
Automatic Duplexing: A Resource Saver
A standard feature, the built-in automatic duplex printing, allows the printer to print on both sides of the paper without manual intervention. This not only saves paper and reduces operational costs but also streamlines the printing process for professional, double-sided documents. Combined with its speed, the duplexing capability ensures high-volume tasks are managed efficiently.
Multifunction Capability: All-in-One Efficiency
The "MF" in MF287dw stands for Multi-Function, and this device covers all bases required by a demanding small office:
Copying and Scanning
The unit features a flatbed scanner and an essential 35-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF). The ADF is a non-duplexing model (meaning it only scans one side automatically), but it is invaluable for quickly processing multi-page documents for copying or digital archiving. The scan resolution is sufficient for clear text and basic graphics capture, typically up to $600 \times 600$ DPI (with higher interpolated resolution possible).
The 6-Line Touchscreen LCD with a Tilted Panel makes managing copy, scan, and fax jobs straightforward. Users can easily adjust settings, select destinations, and monitor the printer status.
Fax Functionality
While faxing is becoming less common, its inclusion makes the MF287dw a true 4-in-1 device, catering to businesses that still rely on this method of communication. The setup includes a dedicated telephone cable, and the memory can store a decent volume of received faxes.
Connectivity and Setup: Wireless & Mobile-Ready
The MF287dw is built for the modern, connected office. It offers three main connectivity options: Wireless (Wi-Fi), Ethernet (Network), and USB 2.0.
The wireless setup is crucial for flexible office arrangements. It supports direct printing from mobile devices via popular standards like Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service, as well as Canon's proprietary Canon PRINT Business app. This allows users to print documents straight from their smartphone or tablet with ease. Furthermore, the printer is Chromebook compatible, making it a versatile choice across different operating systems.
While many users praise the device's performance once set up, some customer feedback points toward the initial wireless setup process being slightly complicated or requiring reliance on customer support. This is a common hurdle with many advanced multifunction printers, but Canon has generally improved its setup procedures over time.
Running Costs and Toner
As a laser printer, the MF287dw uses toner instead of ink, resulting in a significantly lower cost per page than most inkjet printers—a major benefit for high-volume users.
The printer is compatible with Canon Toner 072 and a High-Yield Toner 072 cartridge. The high-yield option provides a substantial page count, which directly reduces running costs and the frequency of replacement, solidifying its role as an economic workhorse. Canon also provides a starter cartridge with the unit, typically rated for around 1,000 pages.
Conclusion: An Excellent Value Proposition
The Canon imageCLASS MF287dw is an excellent all-in-one monochrome laser printer that targets the small and home office market with precision.
Pros:
Blazing Fast Print Speed: Up to 35 PPM is fantastic for its class.
Full All-in-One Functionality: Print, Copy, Scan, and Fax in one unit.
Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves money and time on two-sided documents.
Flexible Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing support.
Intuitive Touchscreen: The 6-line LCD panel simplifies operation.
Low Cost Per Page: High-yield toner options make it economical for volume printing.
Cons:
ADF is Single-Sided: The 35-sheet ADF does not support automatic two-sided scanning/copying.
Initial Setup Can Be Tricky: Wireless setup may require some technical patience.
Monochrome Only: Not suitable for users who require color printing.
Ultimately, if your small office demands a reliable, fast, and feature-rich printer focused on high-quality black-and-white documents, the Canon imageCLASS MF287dw is a fantastic choice that offers exceptional value and power. It's a true workhorse built to handle the rigorous demands of daily office life.