Samsung SCX-4824FN Review

By Tim on February 10, 2010 in Scanning, Technology

I’ve always been a fan of laser-based multi-function printers, they provide copying, scanning, printing and faxing – a must for the smaller home office – typically dubbed SOHO (Small Office Home Office).

Designed with a curvy-yet-chunky physique, the 4824FN sports a mono laser printer combined with an A4 flatbed scanner and a 30 page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).

The paper tray can hold up to 250 sheets at a time. A second 250 sheet tray can be fitted as an optional extra, increasing the height of the device.

As with most multi-function devices, the device’s control panel extends across almost the whole width. Its mono LCD display holds 2 lines of 16 characters. The navigation disk allows for easy menu access and the panel has the standard numeric keypad for faxing. On the far right of the panel are large start and stop buttons. The Samsun also has a nice “ID Scan” button, which allows you to scan one side of an ID card, turn it over and scan the reverse, before printing boths sides on a single sheet.

The SCX-4824FN has a fairly standard port configuration, featuring USB and ethernet for PC connectivity, as well as an RJ11 socket for the fax line, and a socket for an optional handset.

Samsung has a history of writing good TWAIN drivers and the SCX-4824FN is no exception. The device works happily with Home Document Manager, and produces good quality scans.

The only gripe I can think of is that the drum and toner cartridges come in two sizes, offering either 2000 or 5000 pages, but the starter cartridge that ships with it provides only 700. It’s no secret that printer manufacturers make a lot of money on consumables – but if you print as infrequently as I do, you might find that replacing your printer to be more cost-effective than replacing your toner.

All in all, I like this device – it’s a solid addition to any small or home office. 4 out of 5.