Lexmark E321: local monochrome printing with a 150-sheet input review

A compact local printer with a smaller paper load

The Lexmark E321 is a monochrome laser printer with local USB and parallel interfaces, a 150-sheet ordinary-paper input and a light-based status panel. US part 21S0150 fits a computer desk making one-sided black-and-white documents when a smaller paper load is acceptable. Its declared output reaches up to 20 Letter or 19 A4 pages per minute.

The exact model is important. The E321 does not include the E323n's Ethernet interface or the E323's PostScript 3 capability. It also has no scanner, copier or fax. A family manual's generic software descriptions should not be read as a promise that every variant supplies every feature.

Prepare the computer workflow before the paper run

The original model table identifies USB and parallel connections with PCL 5e and Macintosh compatibility for the E321. Install suitable printer software for the actual operating system and check representative application files. A historical statement about the latest Windows or Mac systems does not establish compatibility with a present computer.

The driver controls paper type, size, orientation and other individual-job choices. The Local Printer Setup Utility provides additional settings in compatible environments. Six lights and two buttons communicate readiness, paper prompts and error conditions, so keep the original light-sequence reference available rather than expecting a text display.

External network servers are optional equipment. AirPrint, Mopria and confidential-job PIN release are not established here. Choose a documented network or mobile model when those functions are essential instead of assuming that an optional server removes every software and workflow limitation.

The documented duplex routine is historical and manual

The guide describes printing alternate pages first and then reloading the output to finish the back sides. It restricts that manual-duplex routine to Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Even if an optional drawer supplies the first pass, Tray 1 must supply the second pass.

This is not automatic duplex. Someone must handle the stack and follow the driver's instructions for orientation and page order. Check a short example before using a longer document, and do not assume that a current driver reproduces the old routine. If two-sided output must finish unattended, choose a printer with a documented internal duplex mechanism.

Extend supports and use the correct output path

The original media table supports 150 ordinary Letter, Legal or A4 sheets in the main input at the 20-pound paper basis. Extend the rear paper support until it locks, align the guides and extend the front output support appropriately. Legal output needs the front support fully extended. The closed body therefore does not describe every clearance needed while printing.

The manual feeder takes a single item at a time. Suitable envelopes can also use an instructed main-tray routine, but each path has its own loading steps. For envelopes, open the front output door to create a straighter path and select the correct size and type in the software. Do not treat envelope capacity as ordinary-paper capacity or assume envelopes belong in a duplex routine.

The optional 250-sheet drawer is needed to reach the 400-sheet maximum input. It is separate hardware, not part of the supplied 150-sheet configuration. The top output bin holds up to 100 sheets, another distinct capacity.

A single-element cartridge changes the supply check

The E321 uses a single-element print cartridge carrying its own photoconductor drum. This differs from later E-series arrangements with a separately replaceable photoconductor kit. Inspect the installed cartridge and its output rather than applying another model's two-component replacement plan.

The later exact US page declares 1,500 pages for the supplied cartridge and 3,000 or 6,000 for replacements under ISO/IEC 19752. The original 2002 guide separately lists 3,000-page 12A7403 or 12A7300 and 6,000-page 12A7405 or 12A7400 cartridges on an approximately 5% coverage basis. Keep those measurement contexts distinct when comparing supplies and conditions.

The guide also notes that the Toner Low light does not appear with the E321 starter cartridge. Check the cartridge and print output directly. No recommended monthly range or maximum duty figure is established in the reviewed exact material, so speed and cartridge yield should not stand in for a recurring-workload recommendation.

Lexmark marks this 19.75-pound model discontinued. Verify its electrical label, proper cord, current software, supply compatibility and physical condition. A documented automatic-duplex or network model is the more suitable comparison when either would remove substantial manual handling or extra hardware.