Your needs, this model
Does it fit your priorities?
Can I print color A4 documents on both sides over Ethernet at 8,000 pages monthly, with 250 included sheets and Mopria?
Yes, on a suitable shared network. The exact base printer has Ethernet, automatic A4 print duplex, a 250-sheet stack and an 8,500-page recommended monthly maximum; Mopria is documented.
Explore this need in the finder →Does the CS521dn base configuration include Wi-Fi because phone printing is advertised?
No. The printer has standard Ethernet; the MarkNet N8372 radio is an option. A phone on office Wi-Fi can reach a suitably networked wired printer without the printer having its own radio.
Explore this need in the finder →Can its USB connection scan paper originals and make copies as well as print?
No. Lexmark explicitly classifies CS521 as print-only color hardware. Its control screen and generic print applications do not supply scanner or copier hardware.
Explore this need in the finder →Wired color printing with a useful toner distinction
The Lexmark CS521dn fits a wired workgroup that wants shared color output, automatic two-sided printing and higher-yield replacement toner choices. Its base paper supply is still a 250-sheet main tray plus a one-sheet manual feeder. A larger optional maximum and mobile-printing language should not be read as included paper drawers or a built-in wireless radio.
This reference covers exact US part 42C0060. Lexmark maintains an exact US specification page without a discontinued banner at the time of checking; that establishes a current product reference rather than a claim about stock, a new generation or warranty on a particular offer. Confirm the actual regional unit, installed accessories, current software support and supply compatibility before purchase.
What the output and workload ratings mean
The manufacturer declares up to 35 one-sided Letter pages per minute in black or color. Automatic two-sided output is separately rated at 17.5 Letter sides per minute. Keep those modes separate when planning a batch of reports. The figures are manufacturer specifications, not performance measurements from this article, and do not include every possible delay from file complexity, application handling or separate short jobs.
Lexmark recommends 1,500–8,500 printed pages monthly, compared with a distinct 85,000-page maximum duty cycle. The recommended range is the useful everyday workload figure. A printer's ability to reach a much higher ceiling under defined conditions does not mean that ceiling is a sensible routine target. If most pages are black text, also compare an appropriate monochrome printer rather than assuming that color capability always improves the fit.
Count the tray package you will actually receive
Standard input is 250+1 at the stated 20-pound or 75-gsm paper basis. Letter, Legal and A4 have positive support in the main tray and automatic duplex path. The extra one-sheet manual slot serves occasional alternate media. It does not provide the practical capacity of a second stack or remove the need to refill the main drawer during larger runs.
Optional expansion comprises a 650-sheet duo assembly and a further 550-sheet drawer, reaching 1450+1. The duo itself combines a 550-sheet drawer and a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder. The original guide instructs users to place the additional 550 below the duo and make installed options available in the driver. Confirm the actual configuration and suitable support furniture. Envelopes require their own one-sided loading and size/type settings rather than the ordinary duplex-paper routine.
Ethernet, mobile devices and protected printing
USB Type-B connects one computer, while gigabit Ethernet provides the included shared-network interface. The front Type-A port serves a separate flash-drive printing function. MarkNet N8372 Wi-Fi is optional. A phone using the office wireless network can nevertheless use documented AirPrint or Mopria to reach a suitably networked Ethernet printer; that does not establish wireless hardware inside the printer.
Compatible Print and Hold or Job Routing software supports confidential jobs submitted with a user name and four-digit PIN, then released at the panel. Verify the actual driver's workflow rather than expecting every application or mobile print command to provide it. The 2.4-inch color LCD uses buttons and a numeric keypad. It controls a print-only device, with no paper scanner, document feeder, copier or fax hardware.
Match supplies and allow working space
Documented supplied toner is rated at 3,000 black pages and 2,000 pages for each color under ISO/IEC 19798. Exact US ultra-high-yield replacements include 78C1UK0 black at 10,500 pages and 78C1UC0, 78C1UM0 and 78C1UY0 colors at 7,000 each. These are declared yields, not a present cost-per-page calculation. Match geographic and Return Program conditions, and budget for imaging, developer and waste components separately when their service is due.
The body measures 17.4 inches wide, 16.6 deep and 12.1 high at 46 pounds before paper access and maintenance clearance. Verify the actual electrical label and cord. Choose this configuration when Ethernet sharing and the documented toner options suit the workload. If the office needs scanning originals, included Wi-Fi or a larger supplied stack, compare equipment that provides those capabilities in the actual package.
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 |
| Apple AirPrint | Yes |
| Mopria printing | Yes |
| Supported PIN-release printing | Yes |
| Recommended monthly minimum | 1500 pages |
| Recommended monthly maximum | 8500 pages |
| Maximum monthly duty | 85000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 251 sheets |
| Declared one-sided mono Letter rate | 35 pages/min |
| Declared one-sided color Letter rate | 35 pages/min |
| Unit-body width | 17.4 in |
| Unit-body depth | 16.6 in |
| Unit-body height | 12.1 in |
| Unit weight | 46 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 35 one-sided Letter pages/minute black or color; automatic print duplex separately 17.5 Letter sides/minute. These are declared specifications, not results from testing.
Paper handling
Included main tray 250 plus one-sheet manual feed, 250+1 at 20 lb/75 gsm; main stack 250 for Letter, Legal and A4. All three ordinary sizes support automatic duplex. Optional 650-sheet duo plus a further 550-sheet tray expands maximum to 1450+1; guide requires lower 550 below duo and driver configuration. Base included input remains unchanged.
Scanning arrangement
Explicitly print-only color laser hardware. No scanner, copier, analog fax or document feeder; a color screen and generic software/help names do not supply scanning hardware.
Computer and mobile connections
Included USB Type-B computer connection, gigabit Ethernet and front USB Type-A flash input. MarkNet N8372 Wi-Fi adapter is optional; wireless and peer printing need the optional radio. Documented AirPrint and Mopria can use the printer on Ethernet and mobile devices on suitable shared-network Wi-Fi.
Supplies and declared yields
Supplied toner declared at 3,000 black and 2,000 each CMY pages ISO/IEC 19798. US ultra-high replacements: 78C1UK0 black 10,500 and 78C1UC0/UM0/UY0 colors 7,000 each. Standard/high options differ from supplied cartridge yields. Check geographical and Return Program conditions; imaging, developer and waste components are separate.
Software and support
Exact model page supports AirPrint and Mopria over a suitable shared network. Original guide pages 42–44 document four-digit confidential PIN jobs from compatible Print and Hold/Job Routing software and panel release, including non-touchscreen controls. Verify current driver/app compatibility; old cloud listings are not present service promises.
Electrical edition and setup
Exact US part is documented; nominal electrical input was not established in the read printer sources. Check the actual unit rating label and correct cord. Body dimensions exclude paper extensions, open doors and maintenance access.
Sources for this assessment
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