Lexmark C3224dw C3326dw Review

Good: High-yield toner cartridges (on C3326dw), compact to fit in any space, robust security features.
Bad: Not intended for large businesses.
Bottom Line: Compact single-function color devices that help small businesses print more efficiently.
Vendor:
Product:
Price:
Intended Users:
Lexmark
C3224dw/C3326dw
$199-$279
Small businesses
Speed Black:
Speed Color:
Processor:
Memory:
24 ppm-26 ppm
24 ppm-26 ppm
1 GHz
256 MB/512 MB

Product Overview

The C3224dw ($199) and C3326dw ($279) joins Lexmark’s GO Line series that provide enterprise-level features in smaller, lower-cost devices. Both single-function color printers target small businesses that need an affordable and efficient device. Lexmark boasts that these printers are 30% smaller and lighter for a compact fit on desks and other cramped spaces.

The C3224dw prints at up to 24 ppm and has 256 MB of memory. The monthly duty cycle is 30,000 pages per month, however, the recommended volume is between 600 and 1,500 pages. First-page-out time is 11.1 seconds.

The C3326dw prints at up to 26 ppm and has 512 MB of memory. Its monthly duty cycle is 50,000 pages per month, yet the recommended volume is between 600 and 2,500 pages. First-page-out time is 10.9 seconds.

Both printers has a 1 GHz processor and a two-line display for monitoring printer status and other information. PCL and PostScript are standard, as well as USB, Ethernet and wireless connectivity. Mobile printing is supported via the Lexmark Mobile Print app, as well as Mopria and AirPrint.

More details is in our Features section below.

Features

Paper handling starts with a 250-sheet tray and a single-sheet bypass. There’s no additional paper options. The trays can accept paper from envelopes up to legal-sized (8.5″ x 14″).

There’s a 100-sheet output bin. Automatic duplexing is standard.

As with its other devices, the C3224dw and C3326dw use Lexmark’s Unison Toner. The Unison Toner’s print system has a separate toner, imaging unit and fuser, using a multi-piece architecture design that leads to reduced toner waste and long-life system reliability.

It also prints at up to 1,200 dpi for crisper print quality. And it alerts users when supplies are needed (e.g., low toner warning and number of pages left to print).

Just like it’s done for many years, Lexmark offers its Return Program, which is a loyalty program that provides customers with a free high-yield toner cartridge for every 10 toner cartridges sent back to Lexmark for recycling. It also provides a free imaging kit when needed. Consumable prices under the Return Program tend to be significantly cheaper.

Both printers ship with a 750-page black cartridge and 500-page cyan/yellow/magenta cartridges. Aftermarket toner cartridges are 1,500 pages for each cartridge. However, there’s the high-yield capacity options for the C3326dw, which is 3,000 pages for black and 2,500 pages for each color.

We’ve calculated the cost per page based on the Return Program prices. For the C3224dw, the cost is 4.3 cents in black and 19.3 cents in color. For the C3326dw, the cost is cheaper at 3.2 cents in black and 15.2 cents in color. Companies that don’t participate in the Return Program can expect higher costs for aftermarket toner.

Users can also take advantage of other features to help keep printing costs down, such as sleep mode and duplexing.

Both printers include strong security features that’s present on Lexmark’s other devices. Some of those features include confidential print, user authentication, network security and document security.

Finally, there’s a one-year limited warranty.

  • Automatic Document Feeder?
  • Duplexing?
  • Ethernet Connectivity?
  • Wireless Connectivity?
  • Mobile Printing/Scanning?
  • Finishers?
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