Buying Guide: iPhone 6 deals: how to save big on the new iPhone this holiday season
The first iPhone 6 deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday are days away, so if you've waited this long to buy Apple's new phone, you might as well wait for all the sales.
Black Friday starts on November 28, the day after Thanksgiving, but the smartphone is on sale at a number of US retailers hours before then. It's never too early to start saving.
- Head here for more Black Friday deals!
That's why we put together a comprehensive Black Friday and Cyber Monday list to give you a heads-up on the best iPhone 6 deals in the coming days.
- Cyber Monday deals - we've got them, too!
iPhone 6 deals at Best Buy
iPhone 6 is less than two months old and yet Best Buy sales are already halving the price ... sort of. It's going to be just $99 for the iPhone 6 16GB model if you turn in an old iPhone.This deal requires the standard two-year activation and only applies to carriers AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. T-Mobile customers have to shop elsewhere given its no contract policy.
It also mandates that you trade in a working iPhone, which will earn you a minimum of $100. This is a good discount only if you have already planned to trade-up.
The iPhone 6 without a contract is rather expensive at $699, so stick with the $99 discount if your cell phone plan allows you to upgrade by Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Best Buy opens its doors on Thursday at 5 p.m. and closes them at 1 a.m. Black Friday tickets will be handed out two hours before it re-opens at 8 a.m. to keep the crowded line orderly.
iPhone 6 deals at Walmart
iPhone 6 deals at Walmart are simply an excellent value for your dollar. The retailer is offering the entry-level 16GB model iPhone 6 for $179 with a $75 gift card, a nice stocking stuffer.That theoretically brings the total iPhone 6 price down to $104 on Black Friday right up until Cyber Monday starts. We're willing to feel guilty shopping at Walmart with those prices.
Walmart warns that its iPhone 6 deal is valid all weekend long, but only "while supplies last." It also requires a two-year activation, so it's limited to AT&T, Verizon and Sprint again.
Trade-ins of old iPhones at Walmart start at $200, though its Black Friday flyer has ultra-fine print and may require a newer Apple phone trying to make the exchange. Seller beware.
Walmart's Black Friday deals on iPhone 6 begin at 6 a.m the morning after Thanksgiving.
iPhone 6 deals at Target
Black Friday iPhone 6 deals at Target make the most sense if you want anything other than the space-deprived 16GB model. It's offering discounts on all GB sizes.This includes Apple's full lineup with 64GB and a whopping 128GB. Other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart are simply advertising the base model.
On sale, the iPhone 6 starts at $180 and comes with a $30 gift card. You're essentially paying $150 for the iPhone 6. That discount travels all the way up to the bigger sizes.
iPhone 6 deals at Sam's Club
Sam's Club, surprisingly, has a meaningful iPhone 6 discount that halves the price as doesn't require a trade-in credit to make it happen.The Walmart-owned US wholesaler is giving in-store shoppers a chance to buy the iPhone 6 for $99 for 16GB, $199 for 64GB and $299 for 128GB on Black Friday weekend.
Of course, Sam's Club isn't for John Q. Public. You have to be a paid member of the retailer to make these tempting purchases.
iPhone 6 deals at Amazon
Amazon doesn't sell Apple's phone directly, but the online retailer is hosting a variety of deals from third-party sellers, all fighting to sell you an unlocked iPhone 6.Yes, this is one of the best places to score an iPhone 6 without a contract, though please read the fine print as the condition can vary from seller to seller.
Also note that these prices technically aren't limited to Black Friday or Cyber Monday. It's just that, right now, the competition is the fiercest among iPhone merchants.
iPhone 6 deals at other retailers
There are bound to be more retailers with the iPhone 6 on sale. Apple Stores typically update with deep discounts at midnight Black Friday.We'll continue to watch over the prices to surface the best iPhone 6 deals all the way up to Cyber Monday on December 1.
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Buying Guide: iPad deals: how to save big on Apple's tablets this holiday season
Apple's tablet sales are down, which is great news because that means the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 are already on sale one month after launch.
The best deals begin on Black Friday, which is Friday, November 28 this year. But you don't have to wait until then to find out how much you'll save.
- More of the Black Friday deals around!
We'll be continually updating this iPad deals list on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to give you the 411 on Apple's 7.9- and 9.7-inch tablets, so keep checking back for more.
- Find the best Cyber Monday deals right here!
iPad deals at Best Buy
The iPad Air 2 is going to be on sale at Best Buy starting on Black Friday, giving you a chance to nab the new tablet and save $100 in the process.It'll cost $400 for the iPad Air 2 16GB model and the discount applies to the 64GB and 128GB models that are $500 and $600, respectively. That's not bad for having just launched.
The iPad mini 3 receives a similar price drop across all sizes and colors on Black Friday. It'll be $75 and start with 16GB costing $325, according to Best Buy's official flyer.
Just be aware that the retailer's in-store hours begin on Thursday, Thanksgiving day at 5 p.m. and its early Black Friday iPad deals are good while supplies lasts.
iPad deals at WalMart
As per usual, Walmart "rolling back" its iPad sales by one generation. Its deep discounts this year apply to the older iPad Air, not the iPad Air 2.But the prices are fairly good if you're in need of a pencil-thin tablet. The iPad Air with 16GB will cost $397 and with a $100 gift card to the store.
No, you don't get Touch ID, but at other retailers, the same last-generation Apple tablet costs $400 and comes with no gift card. This is an excellent deal for the original iPad Air.
iPad deals at Target
Target's iPad prices haven't budged, but the new models come with store gift cards that are hard to pass up, especially for the tempting iPad Air 2.Apple's 9.7-inch flagship model costs the normal $500, yet it'll feel more like it costs $360 at Target thanks to a $140 gift card. Put that towards the rest of your shopping.
All other iPad models get the gift card treatment to the tune of $100 for the iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air. The first iPad mini without a Retina display still nets you $60.
iPad deals at Amazon
You may have noticed that Amazon doesn't sell iPad tablets. Instead, it fulfills the orders from third-party retailers.Monitoring Amazon for iPad deals isn't such a bad idea over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These non-official Apple sellers are going to be competing for your business.
Plus, buying an iPad fulfilled by Amazon means that it's eligible for that clutch two-day shipping, just in case you wait until the last second. No one will be the wiser.
iPad deals at other retailers
Expect more iPad deals to trickle out from additional retailers. This is just the beginning.Apple Stores, for example, updates its website with discounts when the clock strikes 12 a.m. and Thanksgiving officially turns into Black Friday.
Last year it was just gift cards, but we'll see what's on sale everywhere come Black Friday and Cyber Monday now through December 1.
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Buying Guide: TV deals: how to save big on TVs this holiday season
Where does the year go? One minute you're spending your vacation on the beach, the next, you're stuck indoors watching the clock count down to to the New Year.
Well, being stuck inside doesn't have to be so bad. All you need is an image of a beautiful sunset on a 55-inch LED TV to shake off the seasonal depression. Thankfully, we've got you covered. This is the place for all the best TV deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, hand-selected by our home entertainment editor.
- More Black Friday deals this way!
- We've got more Cyber Monday deals than we know what to do with!
Best in-store retail TV deals
If you're looking to go big this holiday season, go to Walmart. There you'll find a 65-inch Vizio 1080p, 120Hz LED TV for only $648. If that's a bit too big for your home, Walmart's also got a 50-inch 1080p, 60Hz LED TV on sale for $218. The only catch is you won't know which brand you're getting until the day of.Best Buy has a pretty killer deal on a 40-inch Sony 1080p, 60Hz LED TV for $299.
Last but not least, Target has two great deals, one on a 50-inch Samsung and one on a 39-inch Vizio. The 50-inch Samsung 1080p, 60Hz LED TV is $477.99 and comes with a $30 gift card, while the 39-inch Vizio LED TV is just $219.99 at Target.
Best online TV deals
If you're really looking for an amazing deal, Best Buy's going to have a 4K TV priced to move at $900. The 55-inch Samsung 4K LED Smart TV Black Friday deal goes live at 6 p.m. Thursday evening and should persist through the day on Friday.But what would a Black Friday list be without Amazon? The ecommerce giant is cleaning up any remaining dollars we would've saved for the new year by offering $1,500 off of the 55-inch Samsung UN55HU9000 Curved 4K UHD TV. Or, if that's a bit out of your price range, there's an equally-impressive-for-its-size 39-inch TV from LG for $339.
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Buying Guide: PS4 deals: how to save big on the PS4 this holiday season
Here at TechRadar, we've rounded up the best deals and sales available to you for the PlayStation 4 this holiday season. There are several cheap PS4 console bundle deals that have appeared in recent weeks, too.
From the moment the console war started, Sony 's PS4 has been soaking up the critical acclaim since it's hugely successful launch last November. Only recently, MCV reported that the newly released Destiny contributed to a 300% spike in PS4 orders, making it the best selling console. Interestingly, this resulted in Microsoft giving the Xbox One a $50 price cut.
- Check out other Black Friday deals!
If you're in the market for a new console there are some great cheap PS4 deals to be had.
- In the market for Cyber Monday deals?
Best in-store retail PS4 deals
Starting Thursday at 5 p.m. check out Best Buy's PS4 plus Grand Theft Auto V & The Last of Use: Remastered bundle Black Friday deal that comes with the system and two games for $399.99.OK, say you can't find a Best Buy, then get Target's PS4 plus Grand Theft Auto V & The Last of Use: Remastered bundle Black Friday deal for $399.99. Alternately, head over at 5 p.m. to the kids' favorite spot for the Toys R Us PS4 500GB Bundle that includes GTA V and The Last of Us Black Friday deal or the Toys R Us PS4 500GB Bundle that includes LittleBigPlanet 3 and Lego Batman 3 for the same price.
One more idea: Say you've already played GTA and TLoU on PS3 and have no interest going back for one last go-around. Your best bet is buying the Walmart PS4 Black Friday deal that comes with a $50 gift guide for $399.99. (Though they have a PS4 plus Grand Theft Auto V & The Last of Use: Remastered bundle Black Friday deal and PS4 plus LittleBigPlanet 3, Lego Batman 3 and $50 gift card Black Friday deal as well).
You can buy the standalone PS4 console at Amazon for $399 although there are several bundles that provide better value for money.
Best online PS4 deals
If you can't make it out on Black Friday, don't worry. There are plenty of deals from online retailers, bound and determined to save you some green.Starting Thursday at 6 p.m., scope Dell's PS4 Console w/ Grand Theft Auto V & The Last of Us: Remastered Black Friday deal or for the best deal in town check out Walmart's PS4 Bundle with GTA V, The Last of Us Remastered and choice of two games for $449.
If you can't wait until Black Friday, there's Amazon's PS4 Bundle with GTA V, The Last of Us Remastered available for $468.95 or a a great offer for the PS4 and Destiny for only $449.
More PS4 bundles
If your kids aren't quite ready for a full-size system, the PlayStation TV may be the right way to go, and right now, there's a bundle including LEGO Movie: The Videogame available at Best Buy for for only $139.99.Want an additional controller to go with your PS4? Amazon currently has DualShock 4 PS4 controller for $51.90.
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Industry Voice: Build a culture of inclusion and recruit with the gender balance in mind
The first step in eliminating the gender imbalance is to acknowledge it. As a woman who's previously held management roles in the financial industry and currently holds a management role in the technology industry, I can attest that the companies furthest along in eliminating the gender imbalance are the ones that have identified it and are actively making changes.
It's widely recognized that the technology industry has a tendency to favor men. There are multiple factors that contribute to this: the 24/7 work environment that's not flexible for women with children; fields like engineering and computer science being dominated by men; and a cultural stereotype that has some similarities to that of a frat house. More importantly, there may be a risk of a general lack of attention within startups to the issue.
But change is occurring. In my view, culture and the recruitment process are two ways in which startups can raise awareness of the gender imbalance from the beginning and actively work to address it.
Be cognizant of the culture you want to develop
Culture doesn't grow by itself; it is created and nourished by people. The culture within startups has to be bred right from the beginning and must foster and support gender balance. A great way to ensure this is to establish principles, one of which is to strive for equality in the workplace.In a former position I held in the financial services industry, there was a lot of attention placed on the gender imbalance internally. The company was extremely vocal, offering employees insights on male / female hiring trends as well as offering training, research and fireside chats to raise awareness of this issue. During my time at the company in a management role, I did not experience any issues as a woman in management. I was at times managing an operation of 40+ engineers -- most of whom were men.
By providing a high level of openness and visibility, as well as taking necessary actions to educate employees and create an environment where everyone feels they are an active participant, this company was able to meet its goal of providing a work culture free of gender biases.
If the small pool of employees in a startup establishes a culture of inclusion from the start and identifies neutral bias towards gender as a company-wide goal, it will establish a precedent that only expands as the business does. Entrepreneurs must build this balance into their business principles and ensure that it remains a central theme in their workplace culture.
Recruit candidates straight out of school
This is not to say companies should hire women for the sake of hiring women. Merit and achievements are certainly the first criteria, making the recruitment process just as important as the culture being established.Undergraduate and graduate schools are a great way to recruit fresh candidates with similar bases of knowledge. If companies start hitting the classrooms early, they have a higher chance of finding the right candidates from a diverse pool that includes close to equal numbers of men and women.
For instance, Southern Methodist University (SMU) announced this year that it will be the first university in the United States to offer a master's degree in datacenter systems engineering. The degree provides graduate students with a strong knowledge base of data center infrastructure, making these students top candidates for the data center industry. Hiring students fresh out of university will allow both men and women to compete for the same job with a near identical knowledge base.
SMU's Master of Science in Datacenter Systems Engineering degree will supply a pipeline of candidates to the data center industry and employers can be confident that these candidates are knowledgeable and passionate about data center engineering. As a woman in the data center industry, I know I will be paying close attention to the talent coming out of this program – both men and women.
- Tamara Budec is the VP of Portfolio Operations at Digital Reality.
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Industry voice: Slow computer? Your troubleshooting is misguided (and costing you)
Even the most savvy DIY computer fixers among us make mistakes when it comes to diagnosing their computer troubles. If you’ve ever made an incorrect assessment about solutions to your slow computer issues, you’re not alone.
Most American computer owners know enough to try pressing restart and installing new updates, but when we have to dive in and get our hands dirty, do we opt for the right solutions? My company, Crucial.com, recently asked 1,000 Americans just how much they know about fixing their computers, and the results were surprising.
Although almost half of the men surveyed said they feel confident when it comes to fixing computers, a large majority underestimated the best solutions to their most common computer problems. While slow computer problems can be attributed to insufficient computer memory, or RAM, less than 10% of men identified adding memory to their PCs as one of the most likely ways to help things run faster. When given five classic symptoms of stalling computers, men were most likely to identify component failure as the most likely cause instead.
Women did not fare much better: More than 90% of female respondents failed to identify memory upgrades as the most likely culprit. Not only are Americans misinformed about what’s causing their computers to slow down, but they don’t know what to do to fix the problem.
What this means
In essence, the research shows today’s consumers are connecting slow computer troubles to all the wrong issues. More than 90% of survey respondents overlooked low memory as a contributor to computer speed problems.We often get frustrated when our devices slow down, but we don’t know how to make them run faster, often going overboard and purchasing an entirely new computer that will cost hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of dollars. This expense can be spared with a bit of research into the causes of the problem.
Most survey participants were quick to guess that a failed component inside the computer was causing their machines to stall. While this is a common response, it can be a pricey fix. And it could even be costlier for those that assume the only way out of the situation is to replace their computers entirely: 52% of survey respondents said they would replace their PC altogether if it exhibited unacceptable performance by being slow, broken or out-of-date. That’s a large price to pay if the problem was misidentified in the first place.
Not only do Americans struggle with identifying the sources of their computer problems, but they also have delusions when it comes to finding a correct price mark. Almost three in four of the survey’s respondents said they are highly concerned with saving money, and yet 41% said they would be willing to invest more than $100 to repair or replace an ailing computer.
Who among us would deny an interest in saving money? While the data shows undeniably that Americans prioritize money saving, the impulse to simply scrap a slow computer in exchange for a brand new, expensive one is one that consumers must work to suppress. Consumers who do even a modest amount of legwork to explore cost-effective solutions like upgrading memory stand to solve their slow computer woes.
- Kicki Lindahl-Crozier is a Tech Support Guru for Crucial.com
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Fighting Talk: Why can't they get software updates right first time?
You spend days, weeks, months, and in the case of some Android models, years, waiting for the latest software update to hit your digital thing, then what happens?
It breaks something. And you wish you had your old version back. But you can't, not without reading forums and downloading tools that may well break it completely. So you're stuck with your broken phone or tablet and life is pretty much ruined.
The long awaited Android Lollipop release hit Nexus devices recently, and what happened? It slowed some machines to a crunch, stopped some apps from working altogether and made many machines generally unstable.
None of this was known before launch, of course, when commenters only saw all the pretty new design stuff and wanted it on their phones and tablets as soon as possible.
Hardcore users have found ways to make the Android 5.0 Nexus release work a little better on afflicted machines by editing settings and deleting apps, but in a device aimed at attracting mainstream users, that's no help at all.
Your dad's not going to attempt deactivating Google Now and changing page transition effects to see if it fixes anything on his newly clunky Nexus 7. He'll put it in a cupboard or buy an iPad.
Not that Apple's managed a better job of it.
iOS 8 was riddled with bugs that required hasty patching, a process that's still ongoing.
The latest PS4 software update also broke things. Some users couldn't take their machines out of standby mode after applying the update, ruining the point of it all once again.
Leave it alone
Update notifications used to be exciting, bringing the promise of new things and something to show off about. Now they're massive warning signs that your expensive gadget might be about to break, get wiped or be rendered as clunky as a budget model by an inept software upgrade.At least we can install bug fixes, though!
Our devices make themselves useless for 20 minutes again while they download and install a version of the software that tries to fix the previous breakages and, if we're unlucky, may introduce a few new ones.
What's the problem with getting things right first time? Is it because we're all such moaners we're forcing the tech companies to release updates before they're really ready?
Would another fortnight of fiddling with the Android 5.0 release have resulted in an update that didn't break quite so many devices?
Would another two weeks of Google being badmouthed on the internet for being too slow be worth delaying it, and avoiding the subsequent post-release badmouthing?
Trust fund blown
This sort of ongoing ineptitude breeds a mistrust of the entire process.Once your mum's had her phone rendered useless through a firmware update gone bad, she's unlikely to hit any of the update notifications in the future.
So when there's a massive security hole discovered in her Galaxy M for Mum it'll stay there until she upgrades it in six years time, because last time she did an update the Wi-Fi stopped working for three months so she's not trying THAT again.
Tech history is so littered with examples of updates making things worse, it's almost as if the hardware makers have some sort of vested interest in making sure we buy new models when they balls up the old ones.
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In depth: Wet Wet Wet: The best ways to listen to music in your bathroom
The ablutions that begin each day are dull and lifeless, while bathing in silence is one of life's little missed opportunities.
What about that album you downloaded and haven't listened to yet? Or that podcast that could change your life?
Since few want to take their precious smartphone anywhere near the moist confines of a bathroom, let alone a bath, we've put together some options for tunes on the toilet and songs in the shower.
Waterproof Bluetooth speakers
While novelties like the iDuck Wireless Waterproof Speaker will suit some, there are some serious waterproof Bluetooth speakers available that offer stunning audio quality as well as versatility.Perhaps the finest is the splash-proof Braven BRV-1, which can't be dunked under water, but it can take a splash or two. Completely weather-proof, the 890g BRV-1's subwoofers offer the kind of bass you'll never hear from a smartphone's speakers, and it comes with a 3.5mm stereo jack and a built-in mic for hands-free calls, too. The BRV-1's battery charges via microUSB and keeps on going for around 12 hours.
Close competitor the Grace Digital ECOXBT Waterproof Speaker gives 10 hours of music and adds grab handles on each side.
Another option is the Sonixx BeachBox Wireless Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, which comes with a rugged, rubberised shockproof and splash-proof design. Though best left on a shelf rather than taken into the shower cubicle itself, the BeachBox is big on sound quality thanks to its compatibility with APT-X lossless Bluetooth streaming. It includes an aux-in for hooking-up a smartphone and, for owners of flashy Android devices, the BeachBox also includes NFC for one-touch tap pairing.
For only £5.96 (about US$9, AU$11) you can get a the tiny 6 x 6 x 5cm TechCode Mini Ultra Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Stereo, which sticks to the wall and offers six hours of music when paired to a smartphone left outside of shower.
Waterproof phones
Savvy smartphone owners with waterproof phones won't need any of these gadgets, though such handsets are still relatively rare. However, phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z3 and Sony Xperia M2 Aqua can all happily be dunked in the bath/shower and survive.The Galaxy S5 boasts IP67 rating (dunk it a metre underwater for 30 minutes) while the Xperia Z3 reaches IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes) and the Xperia M2 Aqua also has a rating of IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes).
Crucially, the speakers on flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z3 are a cut above, too.
There are other smartphones that can be used in the bathroom, too, including a range of handsets from niche manufacturer Kyocera (such as the Kyocera Hydro Elite and the Kyocera Hydro Life) and both the Motorola Moto G and HTC One M8, both of which can happily sit on a shelf in a misty bathroom, they just can't join you in the shower.
Waterproof shower radios
There are a plethora of splash-proof AM/FM radios that will give you some aquatic entertainment. A cheap option is Sony's ICF-S79W AM/FM/Weather Band Digital Tuner Shower Radio, which boasts a great reception.
There's also the Abco Tech Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Shower Speaker & Handsfree Speakerphone, which has a sucker to fix onto a tiled wall or shower enclosure. The battery last for up to 15 hours, and it pairs automatically to your phone after the initial set-up.
There's a pricier version that adds an FM radio, too and the equally diminutive Aquabourne FM Bath/Beach/Shower radio adds an aux-in for attaching a smartphone.
Waterproof all-in-one MP3 players
If you're the first to wake-up in your house, you'll be wanting to keep things quiet. A nice option is the waterproof MP3 player with waterproof headphones, though don't forget you'll have to connect-up to a PC or Mac to drag-and-drop music to it.If you're looking for something for the shower, Sony's Walkman NWZ-W273S is the best bet; it wraps around your head and is completely waterproof. On the side are skip track and volume controls, and the earplugs are comfortable, effectively blocking-out water. The battery lasts for eight hours.
The Speedo Aquabeat 2 is similar, but involves more cables and is more tuned to swimming than bathing, while the KitSound Triathlon is a middle way; it's built around the same headband concept as the Sony, yet includes earbuds that hang loose, though it only lasts for five hours on a charge.
However, perhaps the best option is the Universe NU Dolphin Waterproof Touch 4GB, which adds an FM radio and a screen that makes it the easiest to use while in the bath.
Waterproof DAB radios
If you like to catch up with the news headlines while you shower and shave on morning, a DAB radio is what you need, and a water resistant one, at that.
The choice is slim but a good option is the Roberts Splash DAB/FM RDS Digital All Weather Radio, while the same company also makes the Unologic DAB/FM RDS Digital Radio with Built-in Battery Charger, meaning a cable free experience in the bathroom.
Waterproof in-ceiling and in-wall speakers
If you want to get all custom install about it and have some serious money to spend, there are myriad options for installing speakers in the wall or ceiling of your bathroom – though will have to integrate these into a whole house music and entertainment system.
Q Acoustics' Q Install Weatherproof QI50CW in-ceiling 5.25-inch speaker is designed for wet-rooms, and can cope with high humidity thanks to a driver-sealing construction, as well as a corrosion-resistant aluminium grille, which clips magnetically into place.
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Review: Brother MFC-L2740DW Mono Laser All-In-One
Introduction and performance
Brother has introduced a range of new laser printers for the SOHO market promising "affordable, compact and reliable" printing. The range includes standalone printers and all-in-ones, with RRPs ranging from just £90 to £251 including VAT. The MFC-L2740DW is the flagship of the range, and its low RRP is already being undercut: at the time of writing it's available online for £207 including VAT. That's very little money for an awful lot of features.Specs
The MFC-L2740DW can print, copy, scan and fax, offers double-sided printing, connects via USB, Ethernet or WLAN, and has 64MB of on-board memory. It delivers speeds of up to 30 ppm (pages per minute), has a 250-sheet paper tray, a 35-sheet automatic document feeder and a single-sheet media tray. It also supports GDI emulation, PCL6 and BR Script 3 and is operated by a 6.8cm touchscreen.The device looks really ugly in photographs – if Darth Vader had laser printers on the Death Star, we suspect they'd look rather like the MFC-L2740DW – but it's less frightening in the flesh, although it's never going to win a beauty pageant. Then again, you don't buy business printers on the basis of their looks.
Controls are kept to a minimum: in addition to the touchscreen there's a power button and hidden illuminated Home and Back buttons.
Once installed the driver gives you a range of print options including toner save mode, the ability to reduce paper curl, and to select the print output quality (600dpi is the default but you can choose 300dpi or the HQ1200 mode, which delivers up to 2,400 x 600 dpi). There's also the option of printing double-sided. The printer provides PIN-protected Secure Print as well, which won't produce the document without the PIN you specify.
Setup
Setting up the printer's wireless functions is simple enough, if a bit fiddly on the touchscreen – it's just a matter of choosing the network and entering the password, or using Wi-Fi direct.The Web section enables you to use one or more cloud services including OneNote, OneDrive, Brother's own BR-Docs, Box, Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox, Facebook, Picasa and Flickr. Enabling these services requires a trip to the Brother website to use the Brother Web Connect service, which provides a temporary (24-hour) 11-digit ID that you enter in the printer to access your chosen cloud service. It's fiddly unless you have small fingers, but it isn't as fiddly as trying to enter normal usernames and passwords would be. You can also PIN-protect cloud access on a per-service basis.
Once you've connected the appropriate cloud service you can both upload (by scanning) and download (by printing). We successfully printed Office documents, PDFs and images with no problems.
Performance
The MFC-L2740DW takes a while to get going – on a wireless connection sending a single page letter took 13 seconds from hitting print to seeing it in the out tray – but once it's running it chomps through print jobs at a claimed 30 ppm. In our tests we achieved 29 ppm, which is close enough. Scanning and copying are quick too: an A4 scan took seven seconds from start to finish.Like the other printers in the range, the MFC-L2740DW produces crisp, sharp text, images without obvious banding and decent blacks, although if you opt for the toner saving mode the output may seem a little light. Printing and scanning are reasonably quiet, and aggressive energy saving cuts the power after a short idle, resuming instantly when you send a print job.
Like its smaller, cheaper siblings the MFC-L2740DW can use Brother's high capacity TN-2320 toner cartridge, which delivers 2,600 pages at the standard 5% coverage. Prices vary widely: at the time of writing the cheapest genuine Brother cartridges we could find were £47 and the most expensive £79. That works out at 1.7p per page and 3.0p per page respectively. The printer can also use low capacity TN-2310 cartridges, which average £35 for 1,200 pages (2.9p per page). Don't forget the double-sided printing capability too – if you set that as a default it should cut your paper bills considerably.
The printer's drum unit (DR-2300) has an expected lifespan of 12,000 pages and an average price of £52, which works out at 0.4p per page.
Verdict
We liked
The MFC-L2740DW is very fast and very capable, delivering high-speed double-sided printing, scanning and faxing in a single and very affordable package. Running costs are low, the ability to print from phones and cloud accounts is useful and secure printing is worth having in a shared environment.We disliked
The touchscreen is a little on the small side, especially if you have big fingers, and while the overall design manages to pack a lot into a relatively small space it's not very pretty to look at. We're fairly sure we'd break the foldaway paper retainer on the output tray within a few weeks too.Final verdict
Brother has packed an awful lot into the MFC-L2740DW, and it's particularly well suited to busy offices that need to do a bit of everything on a range of different devices. Running costs are good, especially for what is ultimately a budget buy, and while we have a few niggles with the design and the touchscreen you can't fault the feature list. Brother's SOHO flagship represents very good value for money.
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