Now, the E320 was a good printer, but then Lexmark decided to upgrade it to the Lexmark Optra E321 printer and it has reached an whole new level. While the early model scored some good customer reviews regarding speed, the upgrade makes the old version look like a snail. With documents flying into the output tray at speeds of 20 pages per minute and with the high quality Lexmark Optra E321 toner, the user will not be disappointed.

With the speedy printing, the Lexmark Optra E321 toner also prints in quality resolution. 600 to 1200 dots per square inch is the kind of quality every college student needs when they want to turn in a paper worthy of an A. While this printer is praised for its speed and quality looking print jobs, it has also been known for its noisiness.

On a completely positive note, this printer looks good. If a consumer finds him or herself bored of the white models everyone is selling, then be happy that the Lexmark Optra E321 is gray. Gray matches most colors and this machine is small so it can match just about any size room, fitting in wherever a consumer might like to put it.

There are some inherent design issues in the manufacturing of this printer and this is where the noise issues become apparent. When turning the unit on, the first thing many users noticed was how the buttons on the control panel are loose and rattle when the machine is in use. While on, the E321 has a continuous low-pitched hum, which may not be an issue for some, but is for others. When engaging in printing, the machine makes a noise that has been described by some as a whine as it ramps up, and then again, when it winds down.

The Lexmark Optra E321 printer has typical paper capacity for a small laser printer designed primarily for home or small office use. The ingoing storage bin holds around 150 sheets of paper while the output tray can handle about 100 pieces. When printing on a stock heavier than the common 20lb variety, this printer has a door that snaps down over the output tray, helping to guide the paper through smoothly.

This upgraded model has more enjoyable features than its predecessor does. 8MB of memory should be good for the average user, but if a consumer needs more memory, Lexmark offers an extension that holds up to 72MB of memory. Printers need memory so that the computer can just send the document to the printer and the printer can print from its own memory. This helps the printing job go quicker.

Twenty pages a minute is a good rate for a home printer, even for impatient students doing homework at the last minute. Once the printer is fired up, page one appears within 10 seconds. The standard toner does 3000 pages with five percent coverage and Lexmark does offer a higher yielding cartridge that fits this model of printer.

A feature that both Mac and Windows users will enjoy is that the Lexmark Optra E321 printer is compatible with both. With the Lexmark Optra E321 printer toner being as efficient and cost productive as they are, users will love this machine. Lexmark toner is truly a good printer toner cartridges that produces professional grade print jobs.