Lexmark E240n: wired monochrome sharing with manual duplex review

A wired printer that still needs manual attention

The Lexmark E240n adds included 10/100 Ethernet to a compact monochrome printer with USB and parallel interfaces. US part 28S0400 suits a wired computer network producing ordinary black-and-white documents from a supplied 250-sheet drawer. Its maker declaration reaches up to 27 one-sided Letter pages per minute, separately 26 A4.

The network connection is the main distinction from the local E240. Automatic duplex remains absent, and the E240n has no scanner, copier or fax. It can share printing through a suitable wired setup, but someone must still handle a manual second pass or an envelope at the feeder.

Set up the network and software deliberately

The original guide describes printing a network setup page, checking connection status and establishing the printer's IP address. Use the appropriate network port and compatible driver on each intended computer. A resident web page provides supported settings access once the printer is reachable.

The exact model lists PCL 5e/6 and PostScript 3 emulation, with 32 MB of standard memory. Those features distinguish it from the E240, but they do not guarantee every current application or operating system. Try the actual document formats and intended software environment before relying on an earlier unit.

Included Ethernet does not establish a built-in Wi-Fi radio, AirPrint or Mopria. A router's wireless connection for a laptop also does not by itself prove a supported mobile printing protocol at the printer. Confidential-job PIN release is unestablished here; the network interface alone is not evidence of secure job storage.

Load ordinary paper and special items separately

The media table supports 250 ordinary Letter, Legal or A4 sheets in the standard drawer at its 20-pound paper basis. Adjust the guides and select the loaded size and type in the software. Legal loading extends the drawer, so leave room behind the closed printer and check that the extension is properly positioned.

The separate manual feeder accepts one item at a time, including a suitable envelope. Choose its source and media settings, send the job and follow the paper prompt. Use the instructed rear path where appropriate for the stock. This is a different routine from loading a full drawer and does not make envelopes suitable for two-sided printing.

The optional 550-sheet drawer raises maximum input to 800 sheets only when that hardware is installed. The supplied printer remains a 250-sheet configuration. Its 150-sheet output figure is another limit, so even ordinary longer runs may need someone to collect the stack.

Understand the manual duplex sequence

The guide's two-sided routine prints alternate pages first, then signals for the stack to be reloaded. Tray 1 supplies the second pass even if another drawer supplied the first. Follow the specified printed-side and top-edge orientation and choose the correct long-edge or short-edge binding direction.

This workflow needs user attendance. It is not automatic duplex, and the guide explicitly excludes Macintosh from its manual-duplex routine. Check whether the actual compatible software provides the required process and verify a short example before a large document. An automatic-duplex printer is the better comparison when reports must finish unattended.

Budget attention for toner and the photoconductor

The exact US page declares 1,500 pages for the supplied toner cartridge and 2,500 for replacements under ISO/IEC 19752. The original regional table identifies US/Canada 24035SA regular and 24015SA Return Program toner. Confirm the exact supply and program conditions instead of treating a similar cartridge number as interchangeable.

The separate 12A8302 photoconductor has a 30,000-page declaration at approximately 5% coverage. That basis differs from the toner declaration. Inspect both components and remember the guide's warning that the Toner Low indication does not appear with the starter cartridge.

The 15,000-page monthly maximum does not supply a recommended monthly range. Lexmark marks the 22-pound E240n discontinued. Check its electrical label, proper cord, software, supplies and physical condition, with enough space for rear access. Choose a documented duplex or multifunction network model if back-side handling or paper capture would otherwise remain a daily obstacle.