I like that the AI generated “cons” of the brother printer are just gripes about laser printers in general.

I’m still using my HL5280DW. The w (and later the n) both stopped working, so I connected it to an old pi I had laying around to print to it over the network.

Only downside is no Windows 11 (thanks new work laptop) driver support if I connect directly via USB.

I think I changed my toner for the first time like 2 years ago. The high capacity toner I bought with the printer worked just fine (after 16 years in my closet) when I installed it. I don’t expect it to run out of toner until I’m long dead.

I can print at my workplace, and there is a library 5 minutes walking distance from my apartment. These huge commercial printing machines are so much better than anything you can buy for your home, and I don’t have to maintain them. I’m very grateful I don’t have to own a printer.

Sorry, the printer of the year is still the 2008 HP 4730mfp. Still going strong 16 years later!