Product:
Price:
Intended Users:
MX320 / MX420
$399-$449
Small workgroups
Speed Color:
Processor:
Memory:
Not applicable
1 GHz
1 GB
Product Overview
Lexmark has refreshed its monochrome (black-and-white) printer and MFP lineup intended for small-to-large-sized workgroups. The new devices include upgrades, such a faster speed, mobile functionality, enhanced environmental features, and extensive security.
Two of those devices is the MX320 / MX420 Series. Both MFPs include standard printing, copying, scanning and faxing functions. The MX321adn ($399) prints and copies at up to 38 ppm and includes a 2.4″ color LCD display. The MX421ade ($449) has an engine speed of up to 42 ppm and includes a 4.3″ e-Task color touch screen panel with a tablet-like interface.
Both MFPs include a 1 GHz processor and 1 GB of memory. First-page-out-time is up to 6.5 seconds. PCL and PostScript printing language are supported. Other standard printing languages include direct PDF, direct image, personal printer data stream (PPDS) and Microsoft XPS.
USB and Ethernet connectivity are standard, while Wi-Fi is optional on the MX421ade. Mobile printing is supported via the Lexmark Mobile Print, Apple AirPrint, Mopria and Google Cloud Print apps.
More details on both MFPs is in our Features section below.
The MX320 / MX420 Series are scalable and compact MFPs for the small workgroup that want a strong device for their needs but don’t require advanced features.
Features
Paper handling starts with a 250-sheet tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder. Lexmark offers optional paper trays for up to a maximum 900 sheets. They include a 550-sheet locakable tray, a 550-sheet tray and a 250-sheet tray. The trays can accept paper from envelope-size up to legal-sized (8.5″ x 14″).
Output is a 150-sheet bin. There’s a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. The MX421ade support duplex scanning, while the MX321adn does not. The maximum monthly duty cycle is 50,000 pages on the MX321adn and 100,000 pages on the MX421ade. However, Lexmark recommends a monthly page volume range of 500 to 6,000 pages (MX321adn) and 1,000 to 100,000 pages (MX421ade).
Both devices support color scanning with CIS technology. Files can be scanned to email, FTP, USB or the Lexmark Document Solutions Suite. File formats supported are JPEG, PDF, secure PDF, TIFF and XPS.
The faxing function uses the 33.6kbps modem.
As with its older printers and MFPs, these devices 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.
Users have a choice of a 6,000-page aftermarket toner, the 15,000-page high-capacity toner (on the MX321adn) or the 20,000-page extra-high-capacity toner (on the MX421ade).
Here’s our calculation on the cost per page for each device:
- MX321adn: 2.3 cents (based on 15,000-page toner)
- MX421ade: 1.9 cents (based on 20,000-page toner)
They’re very reasonable operating costs. Users can also take advantage of other features to help keep printing costs down, such as sleep mode and duplexing.
Both devices include strong security features that’s present on Lexmark’s other printers and MFPs. Some of those features include user authentication, network security, document security, and secure remote management. The MX421ade offers an optional print release feature.
Finally, there’s a one-year limited warranty.
- Automatic Document Feeder?
- Duplexing?
- Ethernet Connectivity?
- Wireless Connectivity?
- Mobile Printing/Scanning?
- Finishers?
Shortcomings
Both devices don’t accept ledger-sized (11″ x 17″ or A3) paper. Also, they don’t include a hard disk drive even as an option.
About
Lexmark creates innovative imaging solutions and technologies that help customers worldwide print, secure and manage information with ease, efficiency and unmatched value.
