Our take
The Lexmark E321 is a monochrome laser printer for straightforward text output from a directly connected computer. Lexmark maps part 21S0150 to the E321, rates it up to 20 pages per minute on Letter and 19 on A4, and lists 150 sheets of standard input. A second optional tray can raise the maximum input to 400 sheets, but it should only be counted when installed. Standard connections are USB 2.0 and parallel; network access requires separate external print-server hardware. The reviewed Lexmark page does not publish a recommended monthly range or a standard automatic duplexer. Its simple configuration can work for occasional documents, but a shared queue, larger paper supply or automatic two-sided output points elsewhere.
A directly attached monochrome printer for occasional text output where USB or parallel is sufficient and network sharing is handled separately..
Choose another model if your setup requires built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi, automatic duplex, a larger standard tray, or published monthly volume guidance.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- The 20-ppm Letter rating gives a clear reference for routine monochrome documents.
- USB and parallel support direct attachment and compatible older workstation setups.
- An optional input tray can expand capacity when the exact unit includes the accessory.
What to weigh up
- Only 150 sheets are standard, so frequent printing may require more refills.
- Network sharing depends on a separately verified external print server rather than built-in Ethernet.
- Lexmark's reviewed page does not specify monthly volume or automatic duplex.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | E321 |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome laser print-only; up to 20 ppm Letter and 19 ppm A4 |
| Print output | 150-sheet standard input; optional tray raises capacity to 400 sheets |
| Two-sided printing | USB 2.0 and parallel; no built-in network; recommended monthly range not stated |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 16, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
A modest pace for text-focused printing
Lexmark lists up to 20 pages per minute on Letter and 19 ppm on A4 for the E321. This helps compare it with older personal printers, but the figure is a manufacturer rating rather than a promise for every page, driver or warm-up state. The E321 is print-only and monochrome, so it fits simple text, forms and work documents, not color or scanning tasks. Verify the 21S0150 part mapping on the nameplate when evaluating a used unit. A faster model may be preferable for a shared queue where several users release jobs together. ([Lexmark E321 product page](https://www.lexmark.com/en_us/printers/printer/1355/Lexmark-E321)).
The base tray is 150 sheets
Lexmark lists 150 sheets of standard input for the E321. An optional additional tray can increase the maximum to 400 sheets, but a listing title does not prove that the accessory is installed. Ask which trays are included and inspect the feed rollers and guides on a used printer. The modest standard capacity is adequate for occasional printing, but a group producing frequent packets may need to refill more often than with a workgroup model. Keep the documented baseline separate from optional capacity when comparing offers.
Plan a direct connection or separate print server
The E321 lists USB 2.0 and parallel interfaces. Those ports support a directly attached workstation or compatible legacy setup. Lexmark identifies external print servers as optional accessories for network connection, so built-in Ethernet and wireless should not be assumed. Confirm that a supported server is installed and compatible if multiple users need access. The printer's standard ports do not establish what cables or network hardware come with a particular offer, and an older network accessory should be checked against current office policy.
Do not assume automatic duplex
The reviewed E321 product page does not document a standard automatic duplexer. Users who print two-sided pages should choose a model with a clearly listed duplex unit or verify the E321's manual printing workflow in its driver documentation. Automatic print duplex is a hardware capability, not something that follows from a printer's speed or paper tray. If two-sided reports are common, selecting a model with an explicit duplex specification will be less ambiguous than relying on a generic used listing.
Monthly workload guidance is not stated
Lexmark's reviewed U.S. E321 page does not provide a recommended monthly page range. That value remains unknown, rather than being inferred from the 20-ppm rating or maximum input capacity. Buyers who need an explicit workload benchmark should choose a model with one. For this older printer, verify the individual unit's condition, compatible supplies and required connection separately; none of those facts can be established from the historical product specification alone.
Compare for your needs
Choose a printer with built-in Ethernet for a shared queue, or standard automatic duplex if two-sided output is routine.
Find the undefined that fits you.
Tell us what matters. We’ll help you weigh the options.
Before you buy
What part identifies the Lexmark E321?
Lexmark maps part number 21S0150 to the E321 monochrome laser printer.
How much paper does the standard tray hold?
Lexmark lists 150 sheets standard; an optional tray can increase the maximum to 400 sheets.
Does it connect directly to office Ethernet?
No built-in Ethernet is listed. Lexmark describes external print-server accessories for network use.
What monthly volume does Lexmark recommend?
The reviewed product page does not state a recommended monthly range, so the workload field remains 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 and review basis
Sources & review basis
We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Lexmark U.S. E321 product page and part 21S0150 mapping ↗ — checked October 16, 2026.
- Lexmark U.S. mapping of 21S0150, speed, standard/optional input, interfaces and supported network accessory ↗ — checked October 16, 2026.
The decision
The E321 works for direct-attached monochrome jobs when its 150-sheet tray and unspecified network and monthly features are acceptable.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.