Lexmark C762n review

Speed
The Lexmark C762n stomped though CNET Labs' tests with excellent printing speed in all categories. In monochrome print tests, at 16.9 pages per minute (ppm) for text and 15ppm for graphics, the Lexmark ranked among the fastest laser printers. But its color print speed impressed us the most, pumping out up to 14.1ppm for text and 13.6ppm for graphics--one of the fastest color lasers we've tested. Considering that most printers print color at around a sluggish 4ppm, the Lexmark C762n's speed is phenomenal.

The 25-page-per-minute single-pass print engine of the Lexmark C762n churned out prints at or near the front of the pack for every kind of document in CNET Labs' tests; none beat it on color graphics, and only the Lexmark C510, and the Brother HL-2700CN printed text faster.

This printer was tested at its default settings, which you can adjust to match your needs.

Click here to learn more about how CNET Labs tests printers.

Performance analysis written by CNET Labs project leader Dong Van Ngo.

The Lexmark C762n ships with a well-illustrated printed setup guide that covers unpacking, assembling, and connecting the printer. A CD full of PDF manuals provides thorough information on using, maintaining, and managing the printer. If the network is already operating correctly, even without networking expertise, you can probably do a basic installation of this printer and perform essential management tasks such as setting up security or optimizing performance over the network.

Lexmark covers the printer with one year of onsite repair service. You can buy longer coverage, but the extensions are pricey: $549 for a total of two years, $969 for three years, and $1,539--almost the cost of the printer--to extend coverage to four years. A longer warranty could be good insurance, but Lexmark's extensions are too expensive.

Thankfully, the company runs its e-mail tech-support service 24/7 and staffs its toll-free tech-support call center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays ET. The Lexmark Web site also provides a searchable knowledge base, downloadable drivers, and documentation.