The big advantage of laser printers is speed, so if you want print outs and copies fast, the Brother DCP 7010 is the multifunction device for you.

The quality of the prints produced is excellent for text and graphs. However, as this is a mono device the lack of colour can restrict how you print charts and tables.

The speed of printing was also impressive, as the DCP 7010 managed just over 20 pages-per-minute when printing mixed text and graphics as well as plain text. There is a 250-page paper tray and a manual feed for envelopes.

The built-in scanner can also be used as a photocopier and won't keep you waiting. You can change the size of the original document, either shrinking it or enlarging it, and you have the option to print out on a nine-page poster. The copy buttons underneath the display allow changes to be made that only apply to the next copy.

Connection to a computer is either with USB 2 or the older parallel port. Once the Brother software is installed on your PC, you can scan directly to your preferred image-editing application.

The toner cartridge can be replaced without replacing the actual print mechanism, keeping costs down. The manufacturer claims the printer will produce about 2,500 prints from a cartridge that costs about £40.