Our take
Brother's U.S. HL-1240 specification identifies a discontinued monochrome laser printer rated at up to 12 pages per minute. It lists a 250-sheet paper tray, a one-sheet manual feed, parallel and USB interfaces, and manual duplex printing. Ethernet is available only through an optional NC-2010P adapter, so the base configuration should be treated as a direct-connect printer. Brother does not provide a recommended monthly page range on the reviewed page. The historical Amazon clue is not proof of an exact current listing, and the condition or driver compatibility of any used unit remains unverified.
A small monochrome queue that can use USB or parallel and accepts manual page turning, after the legacy interface and driver fit are checked..
Choose another model if automatic duplex, standard Wi-Fi or Ethernet, a documented monthly workload band, or a modern shared-network setup is essential.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Brother specifies a 250-sheet main tray and a separate one-sheet manual feed.
- The exact U.S. page lists both USB and parallel connections.
- Manual duplex is documented for two-sided jobs without an optional automatic unit.
What to weigh up
- The 12 ppm rating is modest for a busy shared queue.
- Ethernet depends on an optional NC-2010P; built-in Wi-Fi is not documented.
- The reviewed exact-model source gives no recommended monthly volume.
The key details
| Model covered | HL-1240 |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print only |
| Print output | Monochrome laser; up to 12 ppm |
| Two-sided printing | Manual duplex; 250-sheet tray plus one-sheet feed |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Check that HL-1240 is the exact model
Brother's support record names the HL-1240 as a monochrome electrophotographic printer and separates it from neighboring HL-series models. That distinction matters for a used product because similar numbers can point to different trays, speeds, or network options. Confirm the nameplate reads HL-1240 and compare the rear ports with the U.S. support record before assuming a listing title is exact. The documented function is printing; the page does not establish copy, scan, or fax features. If those tasks are part of the routine, an MFP is a better starting point.
A 250-sheet tray and single-sheet feed serve simple jobs
The main tray holds 250 sheets, with a one-sheet manual feed for an occasional separate sheet. This setup can keep a regular paper stack loaded while reserving the manual path for a single special job, but it is not a large multi-tray system. Brother rates the printer at up to 12 pages per minute. That published speed is a model rating, not a guarantee for mixed jobs or an aged machine. Ask for a sample and inspect the feed path on an offered unit; the spec page cannot describe roller wear or the way a particular printer handles paper today.
Two-sided output takes a person's attention
Brother lists manual duplex rather than a standard automatic duplexer. The printer can support two-sided work through a manual process, but someone must handle and refeed pages between sides. That can be acceptable for occasional forms or short packets and cumbersome for long recurring reports. The specification does not make manual handling equivalent to automatic page turning. If the office depends on unattended duplex jobs, use a model with automatic duplex confirmed for the exact suffix. On a used HL-1240, demonstrate a two-sided job before relying on the mechanism and driver workflow.
USB and parallel are the documented base connections
The U.S. specification lists USB and parallel interfaces. A directly attached computer may use the documented USB connection, while parallel is relevant only to compatible older hardware or a supported adapter arrangement. Brother identifies an NC-2010P Ethernet adapter as an option; it is not part of the standard base interface set. Do not count an optional card as installed just because a family page mentions it. Built-in Wi-Fi is not documented. Verify the exact ports, optional card, operating-system support, and network plan before choosing this legacy device for shared use.
Keep the workload question open
Brother's reviewed HL-1240 page does not state a recommended monthly print range. The 12 ppm rating and 250-sheet tray describe speed and paper handling, not how many pages the manufacturer recommends each month. Keep both workload endpoints unknown rather than substituting a maximum duty cycle, cartridge yield, or tray capacity. This is especially important when comparing an older printer with newer products that publish an intended workload band. Estimate the real routine, then ask for the unit's page count, print sample, supply status, and service history if considering a used machine.
What else to compare
Compare a newer mono printer if Wi-Fi or automatic duplex is required, or an MFP if documents also need copying, scanning, or faxing.
Before you buy
Does the standard HL-1240 have automatic duplex?
No. Brother lists manual duplex for the exact HL-1240; automatic page turning is not included in the standard specification.
Can I connect it over Ethernet?
Brother lists Ethernet through the optional NC-2010P adapter. Confirm that the adapter is installed and working on the exact unit.
What monthly volume does Brother recommend?
The reviewed U.S. HL-1240 specification does not state a recommended monthly page range, so workload fit remains unknown.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Brother U.S. HL-1240 specifications ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother U.S. HL-1240 exact-model specifications: speed, paper, interfaces, duplex and discontinued status ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother HL-1240 manuals and setup references ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
The decision
The HL-1240 is a basic legacy mono printer for a direct connection and occasional manually duplexed work. Its optional Ethernet, modest speed, and undocumented monthly recommendation are the main trade-offs.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.