Compact size and fast printing speed are the big features, but high per-page costs might cut into the upfront savings. The Lexmark E220 is a monochrome laser printer designed for budget-minded buyers who want laser quality in a compact and affordable model. At just 20 pounds and a 15.5” by 14.5” inch footprint, it will easily occupy the space left by the inkjet printer it may replace. The $200 street price also makes it a great choice for users who need laser quality but don’t want to break the bank.
Print speed is very good. At 18 pages per minute, it comes in a bit faster than many other models at this price point. Print quality is sharp, especially text, with only a few flaws showing up in graphics and photo printing. Given that text printing is the main reason for choosing a laser printer, this may be a non-issue for most users.
Toner costs are the main downside to this printer. The printer ships with a 1500 page toner cartridge initially, and even when using the 2500 page replacement toner cartridge, per-page print costs average around 4 cents per page. This is well above the 1.5-2.0 cents per page you can find in other printers at this price point. With this in mind, buyers should calculate whether the upfront savings is worth the extra ongoing cost of toner ink.
Overall, the Lexmark E220 produces great quality prints, and its compact size and affordable price make it an appealing choice for small offices. Higher per-page costs might become an issue in the long run, depending on the needs of the individual buyer. Some graphics printing issues might be a concern for those who print graphics often.
