Once upon a time a launch event centered around printers wouldn’t have gotten a lot of interest from this editor, but times change, and people learn. The recent Brother launch event was a double-punch knockout consisting of brand-spanking new digs at the Marajo Tower at the Bonifacio Global City, and the release of a handful of new multi-function copiers with A3-sized printing capability.

                                             Brother's brand-new showroom located at the Marajo Tower, Bonifacio Global City.

Of the two, the All-in-Ones certainly got more attention – especially the top-of-the-line, wireless capable and A3 – wielding hunk of an imaging machine the MFC-6490CW. The new offices and settings merely added to its allure. The word is not carelessly chosen – the 6490CW has in addition to its all-in-one capabilities (print, fax, copy, scan) – the capability to do all this in A3 size, cutting down unwieldy documents, articles, reports and whatnot into manageably portions for digestion into the corporate mind.

                                             Brother's MFC-6490CW is an all-around A3 capable All-in-One.

Meant for small offices and home offices and small to medium businesses, the MFC6490CW will nonetheless make anyone feel like a corporate big shot, without dragging along a corporate price tag at an P18,950 coupled with a 2-year warranty. This price is further sweetened by the 6490cw’s virtually overflowing list of features, including wireless connectivity with adaptability to the most popular wireless router setup protocols, a 3.3” color LCD screen, an excellent paper-handling system and direct printing.

                                             Brother MFC-5890CW is the "bridge" All-in-One, with A4 copy, scan, and fax capability, but with A3-size printing.

                                             The DCP-6690CW is similar to the MFC-6490CW except for the lack of A3 Fax and the bigge, touchscreen LCD.

The DCP-6690CW and the MFC-5890CN both can print on A3, and the 6690CW can also copy and scan to A3 – missing only the fax capability present on the 6490CW. The 6690 however compensates with some nifty technology like a larger 4.2” touch-screen LCD and integrated intuitive controls, while the 5890CN caters to those who does not require all the features and appreciates the much lower price tag of P12,950. The DCP-6690CW costs P17,950. The A4-only MFC-5490CN rings in at a palatable P10,950 – rounding out Brother’s New Year offerings.

                                            A closer look of the showroom.

                                             Many of Brother's products were on display...

                                             ...including this high-tech rendition of a sewing machine.

The new offices occupy the 6th floor of the Marajo Tower at the Bonifacio Global City, joining a number of other high-profile companies setting up shop around the area. Familiar faces greeted us at the new place, including what seemed like the whole Japanese executive group plus Mr. Glenn Hocson, Assistant General Manager for Brother Philippines. Toshiaki Isayama-san, GM Brother Philippines was also present. The assembled press was shown around the new place, which included a tour of the showroom area where some interesting devices were on display.

Brother International is greeting the new year in grand style, putting aside worries of a sliding economy and cost cutting measures to concentrate on further expansion and innovation in their products. With these monumental happenings at the Brother International camp, staying aloof is proving to be impossible. Brother International is creating a wave of interest as a company, and it’s only a matter of time before the buying public notice Brother’s dynamic nature and their new, frankly exciting products. More pictures to follow.

                                             Brother executives pose with the new releases.

                                             A quick summary of the different models' capabilities.

                                             Just three features out of many of Brother's copiers.

                                             A closer look at the MFC-6690CW.

                                              As much of an investment as a small car.