Lexmark E234 Toner Cartridges

Lexmark E234 Printer Review

The Lexmark E234 is designed to handle the monochrome printing demands of a busy small office. Maximum print speeds of 25 pages per minute make it fast enough to handle such volumes, but the E234 is not the quickest device in its class of laser printers. This machine is the base model in a series of single-function printers, with its additional E234N and E234TN units offering greater flexibility through network connectivity and larger media handling. Choosing between these models will depend on a user's workload, but overall this series of printers have the features and robust design to support expanding small offices.

While a size of 10x15x16 inches and weight of 22 pounds make the E234 compact enough to fit on a desktop surface, this device is relatively bulky considering it only has one function. Contributing to this large size is its built-in media capacity of 250 pages, which can be expanded to a maximum of 800 pages for users with heavier print volumes. Users also have the option to upgrade its standard memory of 16 MB to a maximum of 144 MB, which will enable the printer to process larger jobs without slowdowns.

While the other models in its series offer users the option to network multiple computers, the E234 comes with a standard wi USB port that can connect directly to a single PC. The device is compatible with computers that run with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Since its front control panel lacks necessary control features like an LCD or navigation pads, user's will need their computer to manage, edit and track documents. The device's control panel includes a button to turn it on and LED lights that will flash to indicate when there's a printing error, when paper is running low or when Lexmark E234 printer toner has expired.

The machine is suited to handle monochrome text and graphic projects, but it can also support the occasional photo by printing with enhanced image quality and a resolution of 2400 dpi. The unit's simple print system and use of only one black Lexmark E234 toner cartridge keeps it from printing in color, but it also means users won't be spending a lot on replacement toners. The printer's standard-capacity supply can yield up to 2,500 pages, while its high-capacity Lexmark E234 toner cartridge can last a maximum of 6,000 pages.

Small offices looking for a single-function printer with a basic design that's capable of handling an increase from small to medium volumes will benefit from the E234. Since it can't perform multiple functions like scanning and copying, it lacks the appeal of more office-centric units on the market. Those who need networking features, however, should consider the upgraded E234N or E234TN models.