Lexmark CS310n: small-workgroup color without automatic duplex review

Color output when one-sided documents are sufficient

The Lexmark CS310n is an earlier color laser reference for a small workgroup whose documents do not require automatic double-sided printing. The exact US part is 28C0000. Its modest main paper stack and wired connections suit a relatively straightforward shared printing arrangement, while the separate manual feeder handles occasional suitable specialty media.

Lexmark marks this model discontinued. Check the actual machine, software availability and regional supplies before treating an offer as usable. The analysis here concerns the manufacturer's documented configuration; it does not establish current inventory, remaining consumable life, measured color quality or service coverage on a particular unit.

The n configuration has no automatic duplex

The US features and detailed Duplex field both say that automatic two-sided printing is not available. A family manual also describes duplex-capable configurations, but that does not add the mechanism to CS310n. If everyday documents need automatic printing on both sides, this exact variant misses that requirement even though a related CS310dn exists.

Maximum one-sided Letter output is declared at 25 pages per minute in black or color. These are manufacturer mode ratings, not a claim of identical completion time for every document. Short jobs, processing and changes of media can influence the workflow. The guide also notes reduced speeds for specialty media, so ordinary-paper output is not a useful promise for a batch of envelopes or labels.

A real 250-sheet drawer, plus one manual sheet

Standard input is described as 250+1 sheets at the stated 20-pound or 75-gsm basis. That is a 250-sheet drawer and a one-sheet manual feeder, rather than two ordinary stack-fed sources. Letter, Legal and A4 have positive support in the main drawer. The guide requires the paper size and type settings to match the loaded media, and longer sheets require the appropriate extension and guide positions.

The main drawer is not the envelope source. Suitable envelopes use the separate one-sided manual-feed routine with the correct orientation, without forcing them into the feeder. The guide's table explicitly distinguishes that path from the drawer. Test the intended envelope stock before buying a large quantity; this is a maker instruction, rather than evidence that any particular envelope was tested for this article.

An optional duo assembly combines a 550-sheet drawer and 100-sheet multipurpose feeder. It can raise input to 900+1 sheets, but is not included in the base CS310n. Confirm both the accessory and the driver's installed-options setting if an offered machine relies on that larger arrangement. The 125-sheet output bin is a separate capacity.

USB and Ethernet have different sharing roles

The standard USB Type-B port connects the printer to a computer. The page's separate Direct USB entry says No, which does not erase that explicit computer interface. Ethernet is 10/100BaseTX and is described as working with a 1000Base-T network; that is not a gigabit printer-port rating. Wireless requires an optional MarkNet adapter, so included Wi-Fi should not be assumed.

The scoped guide documents AirPrint and Mopria for a suitable shared-network mobile arrangement, with compatible applications and devices. Keep the printer and mobile device appropriately connected to that network. Those functions do not come from a lone USB computer cable. A protected PIN-release workflow is not established by the read CS310 operative sections, so verify that precise requirement separately rather than borrowing a feature from CS410 or CS510.

Workload and supplies define the practical comparison

The recommended monthly range is 500–5,000 printed pages, separate from the 60,000-page maximum duty figure. Supplied US toner is declared at 750 pages for black and each color. Specific higher-yield replacements include 70C1HK0 black at 4,000 pages and 70C1HC0, 70C1HM0 and 70C1HY0 colors at 3,000 each under ISO/IEC 19798. Respect geographical compatibility and Return Program terms; yields alone do not establish current printing costs.

The printer is explicitly print-only, with no scanner, copier or fax. Its body measures 17.4 inches wide, 16.0 deep and 11.5 high at 44.3 pounds, before working clearance. Allow room for loading and extended guides, inspect the actual electrical label and cord, and choose it only when its one-sided color arrangement fits the task.