Finding a multi-function machine, complete with network connection, fax and an auto-document feeder (ADF) for around $200 (plus VAT) is a rarity, so this new Brother MFC-5460CN is interesting, straight out of the box.

Brother claims print speeds of up to 30ppm for black and 25ppm for colour print and these figures are frankly silly. Under test we saw typical speeds of 2.2ppm to 2.7ppm, less than a tenth of the numbers quoted. This is not a quick machine and you may well be left waiting for print jobs to finish.

The Brother MFC-5460CN is a good choice for anybody on a tight budget, as it offers many features you don’t normally see together on a machine at this price point. While neither print quality nor speed are anything to write home about, for day-to-day printing, copying, scanning and faxing, all the essentials and some of the extras are there.