The Lexmark Optra E321 printer is an upgraded version of the original E320, a speedy printer that first came out in 2001. The early version was given high marks for its speed, quite ahead of other personal laser printers of its time. The 321 model is even faster, shooting out regular sized documents at a rate of 20 per minute. The Lexmark Optra E321 toner cartridge does 3000 pages and their high-yield version can do double this number before needing replacement.
This model has good resolution, 600 to 1200 dpi and has 8MB of memory. It retails for just under $300, making it a reasonable choice for the home office or college student. The Lexmark Optra E321 toner refills are also inexpensive. The main drawback mentioned in a number of online user and professional reviews is the noise this printer makes when pumping out documents.
On the positive side, the E321 has a nice look for a printer. Unlike the typical white or off-white models, this printer is gray, a change for the better. It is great for small places, like a dormitory or tucked in a small home office and weighs only 20 pounds, so it is easy to move around.
There are some inherent design issues in the manufacturing of this printer and this is where the noise issues become apparent. When turning the unit on, the first thing many users noticed was how the buttons on the control panel are loose and rattle when the machine is in use. While on, the E321 has a continuous low-pitched hum, which may not be an issue for some, but is for others. When engaging in printing, the machine makes a noise that has been described by some as a whine as it ramps up, and then again, when it winds down.
The Lexmark Optra E321 printer has typical paper capacity for a small laser printer designed primarily for home or small office use. The ingoing storage bin holds around 150 sheets of paper while the output tray can handle about 100 pieces. When printing on a stock heavier than the common 20lb variety, this printer has a door that snaps down over the output tray, helping to guide the paper through smoothly.
This improved model has added some nice features for beefing up its operations. As mentioned previously it has 8MB of RAM, which can accommodate some sizable printing tasks. The memory can be expanded all of the way up to 72MB. The E321 has both parallel and USB ports, though neither cable is included in the purchase price.
Twenty pages a minute is a good rate for a home printer, even for impatient students doing homework at the last minute. Once the printer is fired up, page one appears within 10 seconds. The standard toner does 3000 pages with five percent coverage and Lexmark does offer a higher yielding cartridge that fits this model of printer.
Another bonus feature of the Lexmark Optra E321 Printer is that it is both Mac and Windows compatible, something that is rare among budget printers. The Lexmark Optra E321 toner cartridges are efficient and cost effective and are not shipped installed in the printer so that there are no unpleasant spillage surprises when opening the box. For just about $300, it is worth putting up with a little bit of printer hum in exchange for speed and reliability, especially with the quality one can rely on with Lexmark toner. Shop online for extra laser toner to find good deals.
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