Our take
The Lexmark CS517de is a color laser printer for an office that wants a dedicated output device rather than an all-in-one. Lexmark lists integrated automatic duplex, Gigabit Ethernet, a standard 250-sheet input, and rated output up to 32 pages per minute on Letter paper. Its recommended monthly range is 1,500 to 7,000 pages. The reviewed standard interfaces do not include built-in Wi-Fi. That makes this exact configuration more suitable for a wired queue than a wireless-first desk, and the model identity should be checked carefully when comparing CS517 family offers.
A wired small office that needs color documents, automatic two-sided printing, and monthly guidance for a shared print queue..
Avoid this model if wireless is required, if one machine must copy or scan, or if your expected volume is far below its stated recommended range.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Lexmark documents integrated automatic duplex for routine two-sided color output.
- Gigabit Ethernet and the standard 250-sheet input suit a shared wired office queue.
- The 1,500–7,000 page recommendation is more useful for planning than a maximum duty-cycle figure.
What to weigh up
- Built-in Wi-Fi is not listed among the CS517de standard interfaces.
- It is a print-only unit without copier, scanner, or fax functions.
- The product page describes intended specifications, not the state or included accessories of a present seller's unit.
The key details
| Model covered | CS517de (28EC050) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Color laser printing only; up to 32 ppm Letter |
| Print output | Integrated automatic duplex; standard 250-sheet input |
| Two-sided printing | Gigabit Ethernet; 1,500–7,000 recommended pages monthly |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 5, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A dedicated color print role
Lexmark identifies the CS517de as a color laser printer, not a multifunction station. It can serve users who need color pages for charts, marked documents, or customer-facing sheets, while the lack of copy and scan functions keeps its role focused. If the room needs document intake or fax, plan for another device rather than assuming a family feature transfers to this model. The exact 28EC050 identity should be matched against an offer because similar Lexmark prefixes can denote different hardware and bundles.
Rated speed and output expectations
The manufacturer rates this model up to 32 pages per minute on Letter paper. That figure is a stated maximum under specified conditions, not a guarantee that every mixed-color file or first page will emerge at that rate. Lexmark's product page also lists a 250-sheet input, which gives a clearer sense of the standard paper reserve than an optional tray capacity would. Teams that use unusual sizes, heavier stock, or frequent graphics should check the product documentation for media limits before planning a workflow around the speed rating.
Automatic duplex with a wired network
Integrated automatic duplex can handle ordinary two-sided jobs without asking a user to reinsert pages. The CS517de's Gigabit Ethernet connection supports a wired shared placement where a network drop is available. Lexmark does not list wireless as part of the standard interface set reviewed here, so do not select it on the assumption that Wi-Fi is included. A seller may describe an optional component or an adjacent configuration; verify the exact suffix and installed hardware before relying on a feature that is not in the base specification.
Use the workload range as a selection boundary
Lexmark recommends monthly use between 1,500 and 7,000 pages. That range is a manufacturer recommendation, not a live measurement of reliability or cost, and it should not be confused with a maximum duty cycle. An office below the lower end may still print successfully, but this evidence does not make the CS517de an optimized low-volume choice. At the upper end, compare the office's color mix, service expectations, consumables, and paper handling with current alternatives rather than treating the recommendation as a promise of operating expense.
Check the purchase configuration
The official specification establishes the model's intended features, but it does not show what any current seller includes. Confirm the CS517de label, 28EC050 product code, duplex path, network port, tray count, toner state, and return terms. A historical ASIN from a candidate record is not proof that a current result is the same configuration. This review uses Lexmark's published specifications and does not claim personal testing, current price, current stock, or a review of buyer comments. Treat the tagged exact-model search as a discovery link only.
Who should shortlist it
The CS517de is most compelling when color printing, wired access, automatic duplex, and a documented workgroup range all matter together. It is less convenient for a household or small desk that expects Wi-Fi or wants to consolidate scanning and copying. Because the range starts at 1,500 pages per month, a genuinely occasional-use buyer may prefer a model with a lower documented recommendation. Compare the exact connectivity and paper-feed configuration with the intended work area, and keep service and supply questions separate from the manufacturer's feature list.
What else to compare
For a multifunction color workflow, compare a documented color MFP such as the Canon MF729Cdw; for a print-only office, match wired access and workload before prioritizing speed.
Before you buy
Does the CS517de print automatically on both sides?
Yes. Lexmark lists integrated automatic duplex as a feature of the exact CS517de configuration.
Does it have built-in Wi-Fi?
Lexmark's standard interface list reviewed here includes Gigabit Ethernet but does not list built-in wireless for the CS517de.
What monthly volume does Lexmark recommend?
Lexmark recommends a range from 1,500 to 7,000 pages per month for this model.
Can the CS517de copy or scan?
No. Lexmark identifies the CS517de as a printer; copy, scan, and fax are not included functions.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Lexmark CS517de exact-model product specifications ↗ — checked October 5, 2026.
- Lexmark CS517de 28EC050 color, duplex, network, speed, tray, and workload specification ↗ — checked October 5, 2026.
The decision
Choose the CS517de when wired color printing, automatic duplex, and its 1,500–7,000 page recommendation fit the office. Confirm the exact 28EC050 configuration and any seller-specific options.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.