Lexmark X738de: wired color workflows with an included hard disk review

An included disk for an older wired color workflow

The Lexmark X738de combines color laser printing, copying, scanning and analog fax for a workgroup with a documented network workflow. US part MS00321 includes a hard disk, a 7-inch color touchscreen and 512 MB of standard memory. The disk is an actual configuration difference from the optional-disk X736de, rather than an accessory assumed from a family description.

Its useful fit is a wired office producing approximately 3,000–10,000 pages per month and capturing ordinary documents through Legal size. Wi-Fi remains optional, and the automatic two-sided scanner uses a reversing feeder. An included disk does not make this discontinued model a current-service or current-software promise.

Capture Legal originals through the appropriate route

The 50-sheet ADF accepts ordinary originals through 8.5×14 inches, including Letter, Legal and A4, and reverses them for automatic two-sided scans. Load pages faceup, short edge first, adjust the guides and select the original sides correctly. A reversing mechanism provides automatic duplex capture but does not meet a single-pass requirement.

The scanner glass separately supports originals through Legal size and books within the guide's one-inch thickness limit. Use it for photos, small items, thin clippings and other originals unsuitable for the feeder. Local copying can use either route, with the original size and desired output size configured separately.

For scanning to a computer, the reviewed routine uses a network profile created in the Embedded Web Server. Choose the receiving location, original size, color and sides, submit the profile and start it at the printer. Check actual network access and browser compatibility before making this older setup part of a records process. Front flash-drive scanning is a separate destination, and the USB computer-print connection alone does not establish computer scanning.

Prepare ordinary paper, envelopes and two-sided reports

The included 550-sheet tray and 100-sheet multipurpose feeder provide 650 ordinary sheets on the 75-gsm or 20-pound basis. Both accept Letter, Legal and A4. Use matching stock, size and type settings and MP Cassette mode when those sources should feed one longer job together.

Separate stocks serve separate jobs. An envelope load replaces the multipurpose feeder's ordinary paper and needs the guide's envelope orientation and restrictions. The 250-sheet output bin can need attention before the ordinary input runs out. Optional trays can raise input to 3,200 sheets, but that maximum is not the included configuration.

Letter automatic duplex is explicit, with a separate declared black duplex rate. The reviewed size table labels its measurements for one-sided printing and does not establish every other size's duplex eligibility. Verify the actual driver and applicable media guidance before relying on a specific non-Letter two-sided job.

Use the right port and confidential-print controls

USB Type-B supports the computer-print connection, while the included 10/100 Ethernet interface supplies wired networking. Its compatibility with 1000Base-T networks is separate from its transfer rate. Type-A host sockets and PictBridge have their own supported device routines; they are not interchangeable computer ports.

Compatible Windows Print and Hold or Macintosh Job Routing can submit a user name and four-digit PIN for local confidential release. The guide documents ordinary held jobs in memory and warns that memory pressure can remove them. Inspect the included disk and the installed configuration separately when a disk-dependent feature or retention policy matters.

Analog fax requires an active compatible phone line at LINE and configured station details. Follow the appropriate telephone-service instructions, including any required filter or adapter. Network access alone does not supply that telephone connection.

Judge the monthly workload and service condition

The maker declares up to 35 one-sided Letter pages per minute in black or color and separately 23 black Letter duplex sides per minute. Reversing scan speed is a different measure. The 100,000-page maximum monthly duty figure does not replace the recommended 10,000-page ceiling for recurring work.

Original US toner declares 6,000 black and composite CMY pages. Replacement declarations are 8,000 or 12,000 black and 6,000 or 10,000 CMY pages under ISO/IEC 19798 on the maker's continuous basis. Check photoconductors, the waste box, fuser, transfer module, ADF wear parts and disk condition separately. The 97.5-pound body needs proper support, electrical checks and operating clearance; consider a documented current multifunction alternative when maintaining older software and parts would complicate the office routine.