Dell 2135cn review

An earlier color MFP for a proven wired setup

The Dell 2135cn combines color laser printing, copying, scanning and fax. Its useful role is a wired document station for an office that can verify a compatible computer and the actual machine's condition. The main handling limitation is manual two-sided printing: the user must attend the reload.

Its exact model matters more than a broad description of a Dell color MFP. The original 2135cn instructions establish a 35-sheet feeder, a separate document glass and USB or Ethernet connections. Features from a later touchscreen, wireless or duplex-feeder model are not assumed here.

Build the capture route around the connection

For a compatible USB computer, Dell documents panel Scan to Application and Windows WIA capture. Both explicitly require the USB cable. Set the intended destination and run an actual scan through the software that will be used each day.

Ethernet offers another documented arrangement: Scan to Server/Computer sends the captured document to a configured SMB or FTP folder. This needs a destination, address-book entry, account settings and appropriate folder access. A print queue that works over Ethernet does not by itself prove that the capture destination is configured.

The manual describes older operating systems and network routines. Check present driver availability and the actual computer's protocol and access policies before relying on that arrangement. A password for the destination account authenticates folder access; it does not establish confidential print jobs held for a collection PIN.

Separate feeder originals from glass originals

The ADF holds up to 35 suitable ordinary sheets and accepts originals through Legal length. It can handle a batch of loose Letter, A4 or Legal records after staples and clips have been removed. Avoid combining different physical sizes or unsuitable damaged and coated sheets.

The document glass has a shorter effective length of 297mm. It supports Letter and A4 placement, but cannot capture a whole fourteen-inch Legal original at once. Legal output paper in the print tray does not enlarge that glass.

Color capture is documented independently of color printing. The reviewed material confirms the normal feeder route but does not establish automatic two-sided feeder capture or single-pass mechanics. For double-sided records, verify a complete attended process that preserves page order and both sides.

Count the drawer and individual feeder correctly

The included drawer holds 250 suitable ordinary sheets. A separate single-sheet feeder adds an individual insertion point. Both explicitly support Letter, Legal and A4, giving 251 ordinary-paper positions without assuming an optional expansion.

Legal paper requires the rear of the tray to be extended. Allow that working depth and adjust the guides rather than judging desk fit solely from the closed cabinet. Match the panel and driver media settings to the loaded stock.

Envelopes have their own loading instructions and material restrictions. Try the actual envelope before a large batch. Its accepted size does not mean it can be treated like a full drawer of ordinary paper or sent through every two-sided routine.

Manual duplex changes the job

The guide provides different reloading procedures for the drawer and single-sheet feeder. A drawer job returns a stack in the specified orientation; the individual feeder routine requires separate insertions. Follow the correct source-specific instructions and check a short sample first.

Long-edge and short-edge options control page binding, while booklet and multi-page settings arrange content. They do not establish an automatic duplex mechanism. An unattended packet requirement therefore calls for another verified configuration.

Inspect before making it the office default

Confirm the regional electrical label, complete consumables and service access. Choose the 2135cn when its proven wired color workflow is sufficient, and keep automatic duplex and unsupported mobile requirements outside that decision.