Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW Review: Duplex Laser MFP with Multiple Connectivity Options

The last device we reviewed on Office Hacks from this Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) was the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint P265DW. Today’s device, the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW, is fairly similar to that device. In fact, they fall in the same series of printers from Fuji Xerox. For example, many features of these printers are similar and their engines same since both of them are aimed at the Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) segment.

The difference is that Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW has a capacity that is slightly greater than the P265DW. In other words, it is a little more advanced. It is compatible with more third party software suites. It is quieter. It has an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and it has more memory. Consequently, it can be said that the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW has more oomph factor. Here’s our review of this multifunction printer.

Strengths of Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW

Individual users and small workgroups demand value from their devices, which usually translates into as many features as possible without compromising on costs. The Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW offers that combination in an accomplished manner. First and foremost, let’s look at the costs.

The Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW not only offers low initial costs but also low running costs. Typically, the device can be had for less than $200. The running costs aren’t bad for a low volume printer either at 4.43 cents per page with OEM cartridges. The running costs become more manageable with generic cartridges. With compatible cartridges, you can get the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW to deliver every page to you for about 3.72 cents.

Cost savings can be boosted further if you give up your need for speed and choose its automatic duplexing function. Duplexing will cut down a major chunk of the available speed but will also halve the money you spend on paper. Another great feature of the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW is its connectivity options. The connectivity options available with this device are multiple which actually mean that you can use this device in various ways.

The obvious connectivity options of high-speed USB 2.0 and Ethernet have been provided. The Ethernet port can be used to connect the device to your existing network while the USB 2.0 port can be used to connect the device to a single computer. However, the real gem is the wireless connectivity option which means that you can get this device onto your network cordlessly. Once the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW is on a network, you can use Mopria, Google Cloud Print, and AirPrint to print directly from your mobile device. In addition, the Wi-Fi Direct feature has also been provided which means direct mobile connectivity.

Weaknesses of Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW

Speed can be something that can be considered as a weakness of the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW, especially when we compare it to its one level lower brother – the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint P265DW. The P265DW had a print speed of 30 pages per minute (ppm) but the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW only has a speed of 26ppm. While four pages in a minute seem significant, they won’t be with low volume users. For example, if you only have 15-20 page print tasks infrequently, you won’t even notice the lower print speed.

The low volume characteristic of the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW can also be seen as a flaw because it will prevent small offices from scaling up when needed. For example, in terms of paper capacity, this device comes with a 250-sheet paper tray, a 35-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and a single manual feed slot. This paper capacity is more than enough for the majority of SOHO environments especially with a monthly duty cycle of 10,000 pages. Still, it may not be enough for small businesses that are going to need high volume printing in the future. Moreover, the OEM hasn’t even provided the option of going for a second paper tray.

The output quality of the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW is very much average for the class and segment that this device falls in. Print quality when it comes to text is great like all other devices from this OEM. It is the graphics and image print quality where this device falters. As it is, this device is monochrome, if the graphics output is less than perfect, then it brings down the overall functionality. At the same time, if you’re considering a monochrome laser, then it is likely that you don’t really need to print images and graphics. In case you’re interested, this device is rated for a maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dots per inch (dpi).

Key Features of Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW

The Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M225DW is bigger than the Fuji Xerox device we reviewed last but it isn’t too big to handle. This machine measures about 409mm wide, 398.5mm deep and 316.5mm high. However, it weighs quite a bit more than the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint P265DW. That device weighed 5.9 Kg while this device weighs 10.7 Kg. Therefore, while your kids could’ve picked up that device, this one will be well beyond them.

The device takes about 8.5 seconds to spit out the first print from the Ready mode owing to its 266MHz processor and the inbuilt memory of 64MB. The inbuilt memory, unlike many other printers in the market, cannot be upgraded. The device also boasts of a colour touchscreen measuring 68.6mm which should be more than enough for you to monitor the status of the device if you’re getting it for a small workgroup.

There are a few other features that make this device very versatile. One of these is the Toner Save mode. If you’re going to use, be prepared for lighter prints. There are also the manual booklet printing, watermark insertion, header or footer insertion, and poster printing modes available. The device supports Host Based PCL6 as its primary Page Description Language (PDL).