Infrared (IrDA) printers once offered simple cable-free printing, but their short range and line-of-sight limits make them largely obsolete. Today, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPrint, and Mopria provide more flexible, secure wireless printing for both travelers and offices.
Portable printers began as PDA accessories for devices like the Palm Pilot. Today they serve smartphones and tablets, ranging from pocket photo printers to rugged thermal receipt and label printers with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and lithium-ion power.
Practical guidance for deploying multiple network printers: match devices to workflows, choose a management model (server, cloud, or hybrid), secure printing, and evaluate costs before expanding a fleet.
Bluetooth printing still works well for portable photo printers, label/receipt devices, and simple one-to-one mobile printing. For multi-user homes and offices, Wi-Fi (AirPrint/Mopria) is usually the better choice.
Brother offers monochrome and color laser printers - often multifunctional - with duplex, network/mobile printing, and cost-saving consumable options that keep operating costs low.
Brother all-in-one printers combine print, copy, scan and fax in one compact unit. Modern models add wireless, mobile printing, duplexing and ink-tank options, making them practical for home and small offices - choose a model that matches your workload and supply costs.
A practical 2025 guide to choosing an all-in-one printer: compare inkjet vs. laser, scan/fax options, connectivity, ADF, duplexing, and running costs.
Wireless all-in-one printers combine print, copy, scan and often fax into one networked device. Choose inkjet, laser or ink-tank models based on volume, feature needs and running costs.