Lexmark Optra S 1250 Toner Cartridges

Lexmark 1250 Printer Review

As a monochrome laser printer, the Lexmark Optra S 1250 is designed for consumers that need an efficient office machine that is simple and affordable while still maintaining a high performance level. Labeled a "plug and play" device, it is nearly as easy as removing the 1250 from the box and plugging it into the wall and computer to start printing. The basic model offers only a parallel connection, but the 1250N configuration adds an ethernet interface for networking.

The maximum paper capacity is 350 sheets, which consists of a standard 250-sheet input tray and 100-sheet bypass tray that can hold alternative media types like transparencies, envelopes, and labels. Both a curved and straight paper path is available, which should vary based on the thickness of media. A duplex unit is optional as well, which is used for double-sided printing. The unit supports most operating systems and is compliant with the Energy Star environmental testing.

The starter Lexmark 1250 toner cartridge that is shipped with the printer can yield 7,500 pages. This allows users to begin printing right away, but higher yielding toners are available for replacement. Various vendors offer the high-capacity Optra S 1250 toner cartridges, which yield up to 17,600 pages. The higher the yield, the lower the total cost per page will be. Additionally, remanufactured versions of the Lexmark 1250 toner supply are available from third-party suppliers and will reduce the overall cost even more.

Speed and quality will vary based on the print mode, media type, and the complexity of the image, graphic, or text being printed. To reach the top quality, the output rate will need to be sacrificed a bit in order to allow more time to apply more drops of Lexmark 1250 toner to the page. The maximum resolution is 1200x1200 dpi with a rate of 8 pages per minute. The fastest speed is 12 pages per minute, but the quality will drop to 600x600 dpi or 300x300 dpi.

With 4 MB of built-in memory and an open slot to increase that to 68 MB, and a 33 MHz processor. With a 35,000-page monthly duty cycle, it can also handle a sizable workload. It has a fairly compact frame with a weight of 41 pounds

The Lexmark 1250 will be beneficial to busy, small or mid-sized offices. It can create impressively sharp output quality, and will generate excellent graphics and text. The third-party Optra S 1250 printer toner also minimizes operational costs, making this a solid choice for the office.