Lexmark MS331dn Black and White Laser Printer review compact and efficient for offices

Description

Compact and Efficient Design

The Lexmark MS331dn Black and White Laser Printer immediately caught my attention with its compact footprint. At just 14.29 x 14.49 x 8.74 inches and weighing only 21 pounds, it fits snugly into my crowded home office setup. Its small size doesn’t compromise on usability—this printer is designed for tight spaces, allowing it to blend seamlessly into even the most cramped work environments. I could easily place it on a corner of my desk without it feeling intrusive. The matte black finish and clean lines give it a professional look, which I honestly appreciate since I’m a sucker for sleek, modern designs.

The LCD display and intuitive controls make navigating the settings easy, although I found the screen a tad small for my liking. It’s functional, but if you’re used to larger touchscreen interfaces, this could feel like a step back. However, for a printer in this price range, I think the simplicity adds to its appeal, especially for those who prefer hassle-free operation.

Print Speed and Quality

Printing with this machine was a breeze. The 40 pages per minute speed is no joke—I tested it with a hefty stack of documents, and it churned through them like a champ. The 6.2-second first-page-out speed is incredibly convenient for quick tasks, saving me time during busy workdays. The 2400 IQ resolution (equivalent to 2400 x 600 dpi) ensured that text came out crisp and sharp, even when I printed smaller fonts.

However, the lack of color printing may not be ideal for those who need a versatile printer. It’s black-and-white only, which limits its use to straightforward office tasks or text-heavy documents. For someone like me, who deals with contracts and reports more often than marketing collateral, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. But if you’re in a field where color output is a necessity, you might want to look at other options.

Key Benefits

This printer offers several positives that stood out during my use:

• Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and feels environmentally conscious.
• Ethernet connectivity ensures stable network performance for shared office setups.
• 250-sheet tray capacity is sufficient for moderate workloads without constant refilling.

The optional 550-sheet paper tray is a great add-on for those with higher printing demands. I didn’t test this feature myself, but it’s reassuring to know there’s an upgrade path.

Areas for Improvement

That said, there are a few shortcomings I noticed:

• The LCD display is functional but feels outdated compared to touchscreens.
• It lacks wireless printing options, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
• The setup process was slightly clunky, requiring a bit of patience to connect to my network.

While these aren’t dealbreakers for everyone, they’re worth considering depending on your specific needs.

Market Rivals

Comparing this printer to similar models like the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn or the Brother HL-L2350DW, I found its print speed and sharp output to be on par with, if not better than, its competitors. The Brother HL-L2350DW, for example, offers wireless printing, which is a feature I missed here. On the other hand, the Lexmark MS331dn’s Ethernet connectivity felt more stable than the Brother’s wireless option, especially in a shared office setup.

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn comes close in terms of speed and quality, but it’s bulkier and less desk-friendly. If space is a priority, the Lexmark wins hands down. However, both competitors offer better app integration for mobile printing, which is something this printer lacks.

Worth Every Penny

For its performance, I’d say this printer offers great value for its cost. If your needs revolve around speed, reliability, and text-heavy document printing, it’s hard to find a better contender in this category. The build quality feels durable, which suggests that it’s built to last, and the low energy consumption (550 watts) is a bonus for anyone watching their electricity bills.

That said, those seeking wireless capabilities or color output may find better options elsewhere. Still, for an office printer that excels in black-and-white tasks, this one offers plenty of bang for the buck.

Additional information