Lexmark X543dn Toner Cartridges

Design

This large machine seems to have taken all the pieces of a printer, and reversed them in a rather unique design. At just over 35kg, Lexmark was obviously not concerned about a smaller footprint with their X543DN. Along the front lip is a 16-character, backlit LCD that can project two lines of information. There is a slew of buttons to control printing and scanning options. The PIN pad can be used as a security feature to limit access to the machine. The face of the printer opens up to provide for access to the 550 sheet input tray, the optional 100 sheet special media tray, and the four Lexmark X543DN toner cartridges along the side. The top of the machine lifts open for access to the flatbed scanner and in a very unique design, finished prints come out a nearly vertical stand at the back of the printer.

Advantages

Lexmark has been known for covering all the basics of compatibility with their printers, but the X543DN goes above and beyond Windows and OS X and provides software for Novell NetWare, Unix, and Citrix MetaFrame operating systems. Maintenance is a breeze as a it only takes a few latches to provide access to replacing the ample 550 sheet input tray or the Lexmark X543DN toner cartridges. The Automatic Document Feeder, or ADF, is one of the highest volumes for a printer in this range at 50 sheets as well.

Disadvantages

Outside of the basics, this printer offers very little in the way of unique features. Instead of providing upgrades, such as a front facing USB port or wireless card, Lexmark decided to leave the X543DN as is and put all of these upgrades into their higher end models. While Lexmark claims to produce up to 20 pages per minute with this printer, with plain text prints it is closer to 16 prints per minute as well as a taking nearly a half minute to produce the first copy.