Your needs, this model
Does it fit your priorities?
Can included Wi-Fi provide color printing with automatic duplex when my paper size is flexible?
Yes with compatible computer software and suitable media. The exact model includes Wi-Fi and integrated duplex; a specific duplex paper-size range is not established in the read material.
Explore this need in the finder →Can USB handle Legal color documents and occasional manual-feed envelopes at 1,000 monthly pages?
Yes for the documented ordinary printing and separate one-sided envelope routines. Legal fits the 250-sheet drawer, and 1,000 pages fits the recommended range.
Explore this need in the finder →Does the base machine include a scanner for color originals?
No. C540dw is print-only; included Wi-Fi and a color engine do not add glass or a document feeder.
Explore this need in the finder →Wireless color output without an MFP
The Lexmark C540dw brings included Wi-Fi and integrated automatic duplex to a modest-volume color printing routine. Exact US part 26A0150 includes 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, USB Type-B and 10/100BaseTX Ethernet. Its recommended monthly range is 500–1,500 pages, making it a reference for a small queue rather than a large departmental workload.
This is print-only hardware. It has no scanner, copier or fax, and its small control display is a two-line LCD rather than an MFP touchscreen. Lexmark marks the model discontinued. Before choosing an offered unit, check its condition, supplies and compatibility with the computer that will actually submit documents.
Use the included radio through a supported setup
The wireless radio is explicitly part of this dw configuration. It should not be confused with the external wireless print-server option associated with some wired relatives. Ethernet and USB remain available when a cable is the simpler installation choice.
The original guide describes ordinary wireless setup using the network name, security method and matching credentials. The computer must reach the intended network, and setup cables should be connected only when the installer requests them. Verify a current compatible installer or driver rather than assuming the original software disc suits a newer system.
Historical ad hoc networking is not a positive Wi-Fi Direct promise. Likewise, protocol names such as IPP and Bonjour are not enough to establish AirPrint or Mopria. If printing from a particular phone application is essential, confirm that exact route or compare a model with explicit mobile-protocol support.
Automatic duplex and everyday media need different settings
The exact US specification positively lists integrated duplex. The original guide explains choosing two sides and long-edge or short-edge binding through suitable Windows or Mac print settings. Select the binding that matches the document's orientation. If a particular paper size's automatic duplex is essential, confirm that exact routine; the ordinary input-size table is not itself a duplex-size table.
Automatic duplex is for suitable 60–105-gsm grain-long bond paper. The guide excludes card stock, transparencies, envelopes and labels from that two-sided path. Printable specialty media therefore should not inherit the ordinary-paper duplex setting.
Letter, Legal and A4 fit the ordinary drawer. For longer paper, use the documented tray extension and allow space behind the machine. Set the width and length guides to the load, then match panel and driver size/type settings. Load one size and type in a stack rather than mixing media.
The base paper arrangement remains 250 plus one
The supplied drawer holds 250 sheets at the stated 20-pound or 75-gsm basis. A separate manual slot accepts one sheet at a time, producing the declared 250+1 total. That extra one does not provide another enclosed paper stack. The 100-sheet output bin is another independent capacity.
Suitable envelopes go through the manual feeder separately with the flap up and guides adjusted. Select Envelope and the actual size, and use laser-compatible stock without windows, clasps or exposed adhesive. The optional Duo Drawer adds a 550-sheet tray and 100-sheet multipurpose feeder, raising maximum input to 900+1; inspect actual installed hardware if expansion matters.
Workload, supplies and the offered machine
Lexmark declares up to 21 one-sided Letter pages per minute in black or color. That is not an automatic-duplex throughput claim or a measured completion time. The separate 35,000-page maximum duty rating does not increase the recommended 1,500-page regular monthly ceiling.
The original US starter cartridges declare 1,000 pages in black and each of cyan, magenta and yellow. High-yield replacements reach 2,500 black and 2,000 each color under ISO/IEC 19798. Do not assume the C544's larger cartridge range applies. Inspect imaging, developer and waste-toner components separately.
Match regional supplies and Return Program terms, check the electrical label and allow service clearance around the 46.2-pound body. Historical pricing or Rewards promotions do not establish current costs. A documented mobile-print model, larger-volume printer or scanner-equipped MFP is the appropriate comparison when those requirements lead the choice.
Key details at a glance
| Color printing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Scanner | No |
| Copying | No |
| Fax | No |
| Flatbed scanner | No |
| Automatic document feeder | No |
| Automatic two-sided printing | Yes |
| Automatic two-sided scanning | No |
| Single-pass two-sided scanning | No |
| Color scanning | No |
| Instructed envelope handling | Yes |
| Recommended monthly minimum | 500 pages |
| Recommended monthly maximum | 1500 pages |
| Maximum monthly duty | 35000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 251 sheets |
| Declared one-sided mono Letter rate | 21 pages/min |
| Declared one-sided color Letter rate | 21 pages/min |
| Unit-body width | 16.7 in |
| Unit-body depth | 15.7 in |
| Unit-body height | 11.5 in |
| Unit weight | 46.2 lb |
| Imaging engine | laser |
Use the exact model’s instructions for operating limits, supplied equipment and version differences.
Paper, software and setup details
Print-rate conditions
Manufacturer maximum 21 one-sided Letter pages/minute in black or color. Integrated automatic duplex is explicit, but its exact size range and separate throughput are unestablished in the read material.
Paper handling
Included 250-sheet drawer plus one-sheet manual feed, 250+1 at 20 lb/75 gsm. Letter/Legal/A4 stack capacity is 250. Integrated automatic duplex is confirmed, but no exact size range is qualified here. Envelopes use separate one-sided manual feed; maximum 900+1 needs an optional Duo Drawer.
Scanning arrangement
Print-only C54x hardware has no glass, document feeder, copying or fax. Choose separate scanning hardware for original capture.
Computer and mobile connections
Included 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, USB Type-B and 10/100BaseTX Ethernet. Original guide gives ordinary same-network wireless computer setup. Historical ad hoc terminology is not a verified Wi-Fi Direct arrangement; AirPrint/Mopria remain unknown.
Supplies and declared yields
Original US starter Return Program toner: 1,000 black and 1,000 each CMY. Listed C540H1/H2 high-yield replacements declare 2,500 black or 2,000 each color; A1 standard options declare 1,000 under ISO/IEC 19798. C544 extra-high-yield cartridges are not borrowed; imaging/developer/waste components are separate.
Software and support
Original guide 53 gives Windows/Mac computer-print routines; current compatible software must be checked. Network IPP/Bonjour naming alone does not establish AirPrint or Mopria. Panel PIN protection is not evidence of confidential-job release.
Electrical edition and setup
Inspect the actual electrical label and correct cord. Body measurements exclude extended long-paper tray, ventilation and service clearance. Historical supply-price, Rewards and warranty promotions are not current purchase promises.
Sources for this assessment
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