Lexmark MB3442i Review
- 1 Lexmark MB3442i Specs
- 1.1 PROS
- 1.2 CONS
- 1.3 Design
- 1.4 Features
- 1.5 Where should I start?
- 1.6 Operation
- 1.7 Should I invest?
If you’re looking for a new mono laser all-in-one printer for a small to medium-sized business or workgroup, the Lexmark MB3442i is likely to meet all of your needs. From its four typical AIO capabilities (printing, scanning, copying, and faxing) to its powerful paper handling—including duplex (two-sided) printing and scanning—it is substantially on par with our Editors’ Choice selection for the category, the Canon imageClass MF455dw. Unlike the MF455dw and other AIOs, it is capable of sending and receiving faxes through the cloud. However, it is more expensive than the Canon printer, with a list price of $489.99, a greater cost per print job, and slower duplex printing speeds in our testing. That’s enough to keep the MF455dw as our top selection, while the MB3442i will be a better fit for some workplaces.
Lexmark MB3442i Specs
| MFP | Print, scan, copy (no fax) |
| Control | 7.2cm touch screen |
| Speed | 40ppm A4 single-sided with the first page out in 5.9 seconds |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 or 2400 x 600 in high-quality mode |
| Type | All-in-one |
| Duty Cycle | 800-8000 pages per month |
| Colour or Monochrome | Monochrome |
| Compatible | Windows, macOS, Linux/Unix |
| Size | 339 (H) x 411 (W) x 336 (D) x 12.8kg |
PROS
- Copies, facsimiles, scans, and printers
- The cloud-based faxing service boasts a 42 ppm print and copy speed with full end-to-end security.
- Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) that can scan, copy, and fax in a single pass
- Printing from a mobile device
CONS
- Slowness in duplex printing
- Lexmark’s scan app is not included, and no instructions are provided.
- When compared to other mono lasers, the quality of the graphics produced is subpar.
Design
As may be expected from a laser printer, the Lexmark MB3442i is slightly larger than the other two printers evaluated. However, it is more compact than other laser printers. The main components are the printer’s toner cartridge and its huge scanning lid, which together provide a plethora of new printing options. The printer’s front panel features a compact, color LCD display measuring about 2.8 inches.
In the front, you’ll find the pull-out paper tray that can accommodate up to 350 standard-size sheets of paper. In addition to the paper tray, there is a manual front-opening “multipurpose feeder tray” for use with a variety of different media types. The actual setup is simple. Take off the toner cartridge and image unit from within the printer, add paper, and plug in the printer to a computer through USB or Ethernet if you don’t plan on using Wi-Fi.
Using the LCD screen on the printer or the Windows Scan software on my computer, I was able to configure the scanner such that it would automatically scan or copy both sides of a page using the automated document feeder on top. This feeder has a capacity of 50 sheets of A4 paper. If you wish to scan using your phone’s app, you’ll need to download an earlier version of Lexmark’s app because the new one doesn’t support scanning.
Features
The Lexmark MB3442i can perform the functions of a scanner, copier, fax machine, and printer. Printing is a straightforward task that a laser printer does very well. The printer can print up to 40 pages per minute, according to the specs. Based on my tests, that turned out to be spot on. The first few pages printed wirelessly may take up to ten seconds, but after that, printing goes at lightning speed.
Naturally, it can print on both sides of a sheet of paper at lightning speed. If you need to make a lot of copies quickly, either single- or double-sided, this printer is ideal. The printer’s ADF at the top allows for lightning-fast scanning and copying, and the scanner itself is capable of scanning both sides of a page in a single pass. According to Lexmark, the scanner can process 92 pages per minute, and based on my tests, I have no reason to doubt them.
Where should I start?
- Connecting through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB and installing drivers is simple.
- Since it detects and configures all Lexmark printers, system administrators may deploy it easily.
- The touch screen allows comprehensive settings adjustment.
- There are many ways to connect to a web server using its IP address.
- Importing a configuration file changes or resets the printer’s name, asset tag, location, email logging settings, and memory.
- Apple and Google Play smartphones can download Lexmark Assistant.
- It can detect any network printer, not just Lexmarks, and scan and print in any format (text, image, internet).
Operation
Try not to use your phone when setting up your printer! Every Pixel 6 Pro attempt to set up the printer failed, requiring me to use the LCD screen. However, setting everything up on the LCD is simple (just remember to write down any passwords you enter, or you may be permanently locked out of some important settings). If you’re using the same Wi-Fi network after setting up the printer, add it to the Lexmark app on your phone. The PC version is harder to install. In 2021, the packaging CD and the necessity to download software from the Lexmark website (I don’t have a CD player nearby, as many do) will be useless.
Should I invest?
If you need a colour printer, the Lexmark MB3442i isn’t it. But for an extra $200, Lexmark’s Lexmark Go line does have a colour printer. The Lexmark MB3442i is an all-in-one printer that does its job well. It can read quickly, copy quickly, and print quickly and satisfactorily. This printer is a good choice if you need a high-quality laser printer that is easy to use and has features like wireless connectivity for your home or another place. Even though it costs $499, it’s not the worst thing you could buy for the office. Go to Lexmark’s site right away to find out more.
