For context, I've had a Brother wireless laser b&w printer for over ten years—maybe closer to fifteen. It's finally starting to reach the end of its life, and I thought it might be time to get a new one.
However, I got my printer when things were still relatively "dumb" and all the ones I'm seeing have taglines like "includes Refresh subscription" and "works with Alexa."
I loved Brother printers because they were so well-built and lasted forever, but now I'm cautious. Has Brother been taken over by enshittification? Can I just buy one and still just buy the toner cartridge refills independently when I run out? I don't want any sneaky subscription plans or locked into something where my printer can be remotely bricked.
I have always been a huge booster for Brother so it's a little disheartening to see some of the language advertising the new printers. I was considering the HL-L2405W Wireless or the newer HL-L2460DW, but I just want to make sure I'm not falling into a trap.
Is it worth getting a new one or should I just try to find someone local who repairs printers to take a look at the one I've had since the early 2010s?