Lexmark MX331 MX431 Series Review

Good: 20,000-page extra-high-yield toner capacity (on MX431adn/MX431adw), strong security features, compact design.
Bad: Ledger-sized paper is not accepted; hard drive is not available.
Bottom Line: Three new black-and-white MFPs geared towards small and medium workgroups.
Vendor:
Product:
Price:
Intended Users:
Lexmark
MX331 MX431 Series
$399-$449
Small, Medium
Speed Black:
Speed Color:
Processor:
Memory:
40 ppm-42 ppm
Not applicable
1 GHz
512 MB

Product Overview

The MX331 and MX431 series join Lexmark’s refreshed lineup of black-and-white MFPs that target the small and medium workgroups. They have similar features as Lexmark’s enterprise-level devices but is lightweight (20 lbs.) and compact to fit in cramped spaces.

There are three devices in this series:

  • The MX331adn ($399), which prints at up to 40 ppm,
  • The MX431adn ($449), which prints at up to 42 ppm, and
  • The MX431adw ($449), which adds on wireless connectivity.

All three MFPs has standard printing, copying, scanning and faxing features. They include a 1 GHz processor and 512 MB of memory. First-page-out-time is up to 6.2 seconds on the MX331adn and up to 5.9 seconds on the MX431adw/MX431adw. 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 included on the MX431adw. Mobile printing is supported via the Lexmark Mobile Print, Apple AirPrint, Mopria and Google Cloud Print apps.

More details on these devices is in our Features section below.

Features

Paper handling starts with a 250-sheet tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder. Lexmark offers an optional 550-sheet tray for a maximum capacity of 900 sheets. The trays can accept paper from envelope-size up to legal-sized (8.5″ x 14″).

Output is a 150-sheet bin and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. There’s also an automatic duplex feature. The maximum monthly duty cycle is 50,000 pages on the MX331adn and 80,000 pages on the MX431adn/MX431adw. However, Lexmark recommends a monthly page volume range of 500 to 5,000 pages (MX331adn) and 800 to 8,000 pages (MX431adn/MX431adw).

These 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 3,000-page aftermarket toner, the 15,000-page high-capacity toner (on the MX331adn) or the 20,000-page extra-high-capacity toner (on the MX431adn/MX431adw).

Here’s our calculation on the cost per page for each device:

  • MX331adn: 2.2 cents (based on 15,000-page toner)
  • MX431adn/MX431adw: 1.8 cents (based on 20,000-page toner)

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.

All three devices include strong security features that’s present on Lexmark’s other printers and MFPs. 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?

Shortcomings

The devices don’t accept ledger-sized (11″ x 17″/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.

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