As long as there is a need to print plain and simple documents, there will always be a demand for plain and simple mono printers, especially those that can get through the load with the minimum amount of fuss, as speedily as possible and with the maximum clarity. It was with these last three factors in mind that Brother brought out the latest models in the HL-2100 series.

While all three units look similar, the HL-2140 is geared towards those on the tightest budget, the HL-2170W lies at the top end with wireless and wired network support built in, and that leaves the HL-2150N sitting squarely in the middle, with network capability via an Ethernet cable.

Square and squat, unassumingly decked out in grey and black, this little machine is a mere 368 x 361 x 170.5mm and weighs in at just 6.8Kg. The toner cartridge, once removed from its silver packaging, slips easily into its front housing and comes in two available sizes - Standard (which is good for 1,500 A4 pages) and High Yield (2,600 A4 pages) - while the Drum Unit will stretch to 12,000 A4 pages.

Setting up the network connection is a piece of cake. Use the supplied CD to install your printer driver via the USB connection and then plug a network cable from printer to hub and once again follow the instructions on the CD for Network Cable Users. Then, hey presto, you're ready to operate. The supplied Quick Setup Guide also details instructions for Mac (OS X 10.2.4 or greater) and Linux users and it's also Windows Vista friendly.

There's little in the way of exterior monitoring; there's no large LCD, just three LED indicator lights for Toner, Drum and Error and a larger Go button. The main paper tray at the front holds 250 A4 sheets and there's a separate manual slot where you can feed in one sheet at a time (handy for labels and transparencies).

It's fairly unlikely that you'll be using this printer for any major business print runs as the output tray can only manage 100 sheets and you'll have to feed them all in again if you want double-sided results.

However, although it only has 16MB memory (the HL-2170W has twice this amount), it makes the most of it to produce a quoted 22ppm maximum speed at a print resolution of 2,400 x 600dpi, with the first sheet zipping out in under ten seconds. So if you have a small network and your printing needs are uncomplicated and not too voluminous, this should tick all your boxes.

Brother is building a reputation for producing compact, no-frills and highly efficient printers and this middle unit in the HL-2100 series should be an ideal choice for small businesses and home users with modest printing needs.