Our take
The Lexmark E238 is a legacy monochrome printer intended for basic document output. Lexmark identifies the U.S. part as 28S0100, rates it up to 25 pages per minute on Letter paper and lists a 250-sheet standard tray. USB 2.0 and parallel are the standard computer interfaces. Ethernet or wireless sharing requires an optional external print server, so neither should be assumed from an E238 listing alone. The cited pages do not establish a recommended monthly page range or a duplex feature for this exact configuration. It can fit a direct-connected desk where black text is the priority and a simple input tray is enough, but a shared contemporary office will need to check accessories, driver support and the individual unit's condition carefully.
A small office or desk needing basic monochrome output over a direct USB or parallel connection, without a hard network or automatic-duplex requirement..
It is not for a buyer who requires built-in wireless, standard Ethernet, a confirmed automatic duplexer, color, copy/scan/fax, or a current model with a documented workload recommendation.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Lexmark identifies the exact U.S. part number 28S0100 and rates it up to 25 ppm.
- A 250-sheet standard tray supports a routine larger than a very small personal feed.
- USB and parallel provide direct wired connection choices.
What to weigh up
- Network and wireless functions require an optional external print server.
- The reviewed exact-model sources do not establish a recommended monthly range or duplex support.
- As an older model, it requires checks for drivers, consumables, wear and repair options.
The key details
| Model covered | E238 (part 28S0100) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print-only; up to 25 ppm on Letter paper |
| Print output | 250-sheet standard input tray and 150-sheet output |
| Two-sided printing | USB 2.0 and parallel standard; network servers are optional |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 6, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Match the exact E238 part and a simple workflow
Lexmark's U.S. record identifies the E238 by part 28S0100. The model is a monochrome single-function printer, so it is aimed at text and office forms rather than color pages or document capture. Its role is clearest when a computer can connect directly and the office already has another way to scan or copy originals. The part number matters because older Lexmark families have nearby variants and optional network accessories. Check the product label and tray configuration against the exact listing rather than treating the E238 name as proof that a seller includes every accessory. The manufacturer page is the source for this identity and its standard configuration ([Lexmark E238](https://www.lexmark.com/en_us/printers/printer/2986/Lexmark-E238)).
Rated speed and standard paper supply
Lexmark rates the E238 at up to 25 pages per minute on Letter paper and lists a 250-sheet input tray with 150-sheet output capacity. These figures can help a buyer compare the model with a small office routine, but they are not a promise about the pace of a particular older machine. Paper condition, print coverage, warm-up, host setup and maintenance all affect actual results. Lexmark's cited page does not provide a recommended monthly usage interval, so the maximum duty figure must not be substituted for a recommended band. Estimate how often the office prints and treat workload fit as unresolved if it depends on a formal manufacturer recommendation that was not found.
Direct wired connections are the known standard
Lexmark lists USB 2.0 and a parallel interface as standard. The product page describes network printing through optional MarkNet print servers, including external server options; this means Ethernet is not a standard built-in capability in the base E238 record. Wireless likewise depends on an optional external server and should not be marked as built in. A buyer planning a shared printer should identify the exact print-server part, confirm it is included and make sure it can communicate with the intended network. A direct USB setup is simpler when only one supported computer needs access, but legacy driver availability still deserves a check before purchase.
Do not assume automatic duplex
The reviewed Lexmark page documents the E238's print engine and ports but does not establish automatic two-sided printing for part 28S0100. For a two-sided workflow, a buyer should select a model whose exact manufacturer documentation lists the automatic duplex feature. This review leaves manual duplex unclaimed as well, since the source packet does not establish the mode. A listing photo of a paper tray or a generic claim about the brand is not enough to resolve the feature. If one-sided letters, labels or forms are the routine, the omission may not matter; a firm paper-saving policy makes it a disqualifier until verified.
Legacy fit depends on the individual unit
The E238's direct wired design may be useful in a narrow workflow, but this is a legacy product. Ask for its exact label, page count, error history, a sample page and whether replacement toner and feed components can be obtained. Check current computer and operating-system support using manufacturer documentation before relying on it for a daily office queue. Confirm return terms for the specific seller. The cited product pages describe model features; they do not confirm current stock, current price, supply availability or condition of a particular machine. This recommendation is based on the manufacturer record, not personal testing or a summary of customer reviews.
What else to compare
Compare a current mono model with built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi if the printer must be shared, and choose a model with a documented duplexer if automatic two-sided output is required.
Before you buy
What is the exact U.S. part?
Lexmark identifies the E238 U.S. configuration as part 28S0100.
Does it have Wi-Fi or built-in Ethernet?
Neither is standard in the reviewed configuration. Lexmark describes optional external print-server hardware for network access.
How fast is it rated?
Lexmark rates the E238 up to 25 pages per minute on Letter paper.
Is automatic duplex confirmed?
The reviewed Lexmark page does not establish automatic duplex for part 28S0100, so treat that capability as unknown.
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 U.S. E238 product page ↗ — checked October 6, 2026.
- Lexmark U.S. E238 exact part, speed, paper capacity, ports and optional print servers ↗ — checked October 6, 2026.
- Lexmark E238 user guide ↗ — checked October 6, 2026.
The decision
The E238 is best treated as a direct-connected mono printer with USB or parallel. Confirm the part, driver path and any optional server separately, and do not assume wireless, duplex or a monthly recommendation.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.