Lexmark MB2236i All-in-One Review

The Lexmark MB2236adw appears like a serious all-in-one laser printer for a large workplace. It has everything, including duplex printing, a big 50-sheet automated document feeder, and several security settings. One person could move it from the package to our test bench because it’s smaller than imagined. The Lexmark MB2236adw fits well in a small office or workgroup and costs roughly £148 (US$194, AU$270). Lexmark recommends a 30,000 monthly duty cycle because it lacks the paper and toner capacity of premium machines like the Xerox WorkCentre 6515. While slower and without a touchscreen interface, the Lexmark’s feature set is similar, making it suitable for a wide spectrum of small companies.

Lexmark MB2236i All-in-One Specification

Pros

• It has a small footprint
• Strong security
• Fast print performance
• Built-in Wi-Fi.

Cons

• No front USB
• Low print resolution
• Basic 2-line display
• Stingy beginning cartridge

Setting Up

1. Removing the wrapping surrounding the toner cartridge is a pain, but it doesn’t require IT help.
2. The remainder of the setup is done with an iOS or Android app.
3. The Lexmark Print app won’t assist because this is a distinct app. Follow the steps on your smartphone to identify and join your Wi-Fi network without using the printer’s rudimentary interface.
4. You may need to read the printer’s two-line display and press the rubber buttons to operate it.
5. The menu layout is unintuitive, and setting up email with your SMTP is confusing and unhelpful, unlike other devices of similar sort.
6. While it’s pleasant to be able to click a hard button to produce a photocopy, a touchscreen would have made most other tasks easier.

Design

The Lexmark MB2236adw looks top-heavy since the scanner bed overhangs the printer by a few centimetres on either side and has a large automated document feeder that can take 50 pages. Mounted monoprinters are smaller. So small that A4 paper must be extended two inches through a flap at the back to fit in the main tray. It implies that the base of this unit has a deceptively small footprint and may take up more space than you believe. The manual feed slot above the 250-sheet paper tray accepts envelopes or letterhead paper one at a time. The output bin holds 150 printed pages. The tilting control panel is prominently displayed on the front, and Lexmark chose a conventional two-line LCD instead of a touchscreen to cut costs. It has a button keypad nearby, so inputting Wi-Fi credentials is easy.

Features and specs

In addition to printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, this four-in-one has auto duplexing, manual dual-side scanning, and a 50-document ADF. Image size may be readily changed during photocopying. Wi-Fi lets you print and scan with the Lexmark companion app. No Wi-Fi Direct or NFC means you can’t hijack the machine with your smartphone, which is a shame but typical of office products. One black toner cartridge is included with this monochrome printer. As usual, the supplied starter cartridge has less toner than a conventional cart, and this one only prints 700 pages. You wouldn’t expect a 6,000-yield cartridge in the package, as it costs as much as the printer. This printer’s toner is expensive. Wireless printing through AirPrint or Google Cloud Print and a PIN password to enter before receiving your printout are among the many security features.

Performance

The Lexmark MB2236adw prints the first page in eight seconds and single-sided pages at 34 ppm. Although auto-duplex is slower at 17 ppm, it is better than manual. On white laser paper, black print is crisp. Only printing or copying non-black text or images produces grey, washed-out results. Small point-size lettering might also seem blurry with a magnifying glass. This compares to similar-priced laser printers. The Lexmark MB2236adw is also picky about media. Heavy or porous paper curls or prints grayer than laser paper. Some thick DL envelopes we put on the manual feed tray produced paper jams. Photos are generated rapidly and appear as close to the original as a 600-dpi machine can. The expand and decrease option worked nicely for copies, and the EDF handled automated print tasks effectively.

Final verdict

If you want a photocopier-style four-in-one but can’t afford a quality machine, the Lexmark MB2236adw may work for your workplace. Smaller size and pricing are benefits. If you use laser paper, printing is fast and good. Lack of Wi-Fi Direct and an active front USB connection are disappointing, but you’re getting a lot for your money.