Lexmark E340: local printing with manual second-side handling review

A simple local printer with a useful text display

The Lexmark E340 is a monochrome laser printer for a computer desk that mainly produces one-sided paperwork. US part 28S0500 includes USB Type-B, parallel connectivity, a two-line text panel and a 250-sheet drawer. Its declared maximum one-sided speed is 30 Letter pages per minute, with a separate 28-ppm figure for A4.

The limits are straightforward. The E340 does not include automatic print duplex or an Ethernet interface. It also has no scanner, copier or fax. If those functions must be available without extra equipment or manual handling, they should decide the purchase before its basic printing specifications do.

Manual duplex requires time at the printer

The original guide describes a Windows manual-duplex routine. The driver prints alternate pages first, pauses, and prompts the user to reload the output for the second pass. The second side must use Tray 1 even if an optional drawer supplied the first pass. Follow the specified orientation so that page order and front-to-back alignment remain usable.

This is different from an automatic duplex mechanism. A two-sided menu choice alone does not mean the printer turns paper internally. The guide also states that its manual-duplex routine is unavailable on a Macintosh computer. A current computer or generic driver should not be assumed to reproduce the historical workflow without a compatibility check.

For frequent two-sided reports, an explicitly documented automatic-duplex printer is the more convenient comparison. For occasional manually handled documents, test a short file first and check the binding direction and page order before loading a larger stack.

The supplied drawer accepts ordinary Legal paper

Letter, Legal and A4 each fit the 250-sheet drawer at the maker's ordinary 20-pound or 75-gsm basis. Legal and Folio paper require extending the tray at the rear. Attach the dust cover as instructed, leave room behind the printer and adjust the guides to the load. Closed-body depth is not the complete space required during a long-paper job.

The front manual feeder accepts one item at a time. Select the manual paper source and correct size and type, send the job, then load the item when prompted. Guide the sheet into the feed mechanism without forcing it. This path is useful for an occasional different sheet or suitable envelope without unloading the normal paper stack.

Envelopes use the instructed one-sided routine and must meet the laser-media requirements. The rear exit provides a straighter path for certain specialty stock and requires its own clear space. The top bin's 150-sheet output capacity is a separate figure from input. Reaching 800 sheets of input requires the optional 550-sheet drawer.

Match the computer rather than assuming network features

The exact E340 includes local USB and parallel connections. External Ethernet, gigabit and wireless print servers appear as optional equipment. The related E342n's included network interface should not be transferred to this configuration. Sharing a USB printer through a computer also remains dependent on that host computer and its setup.

The guide distinguishes computer-driver settings for individual jobs from saved local defaults. Its two-line display helps identify status and menu choices, while a Local Printer Settings Utility supports compatible local setups. Check the intended operating system, application files and driver. AirPrint, Mopria and a confidential-job PIN-release routine are not established here.

Workload, supplies and condition

Lexmark lists a maximum monthly volume of 15,000 pages, but the reviewed exact material does not establish a separate recommended monthly range. The maximum should not be used to qualify a recurring workload requirement. It also does not describe the remaining life or condition of a particular earlier machine.

The exact US starter declares 1,500 pages. US and Canadian 24015SA or 24035SA replacement toner declares 2,500 pages, while 34015HA or 34035HA high-yield toner declares 6,000 under ISO/IEC 19752. The separate 12A8302 photoconductor has a 30,000-page declaration at about 5% coverage. Match cartridge region and Return Program conditions, and inspect both components.

This discontinued printer weighs 22 pounds. Check the electrical label, appropriate cord, supply availability, software and physical condition. Choose the E342n for an explicitly included wired interface, or a documented automatic-duplex model if manual second-side handling would disrupt everyday work.