Lexmark · Monochrome Single-function

Lexmark M1242

A 42 ppm B&W desktop laser for small offices printing 500-2,000 pages a month — print-only, no scanner, no Wi-Fi.

5 · 2 verified reviews · Read reviews
Print speed
42 ppm color
Paper capacity
900 sheets
Duplex
Automatic Duplex
Connectivity
Wi-Fi Direct · USB · Wi-Fi · Ethernet
Free delivery 24-hr quote turnaround Authorized Lexmark reseller Lease or buy outright
In stock
Lexmark 36S0240
Authorized Lexmark reseller Free shipping to 50 states 1-year manufacturer warranty Install guidance by phone 30-day return policy
Is this the right printer for you?

Who the Lexmark M1242 is actually for

Most printer pages just tell you what a printer does. Here's the honest version: when this machine is the right choice, when it's fine, and when you should look at something else. We sell a lot of these for a reason, but the reason is not "every office."

Best fit

Pick this if...

  • You print 500 to 2,000 pages a month and want a duty-cycle that won't break in year two.
  • You're a 3-5 person workgroup that only needs to print — scanning happens on a separate device.
  • You want gigabit Ethernet and don't care about Wi-Fi at the printer.
  • You like Lexmark's secure print, hold queue, and PIN release features.
  • You print B&W only and color is irrelevant.
Works fine

You'll be happy if...

  • It's fine if you're replacing an older Lexmark E-series and want a current-gen drop-in.
  • It's fine if you mostly batch-print and the first-page-out delay isn't a workflow issue.
  • It's fine if 350 sheets covers your daily reload tolerance — you can add a 550-sheet drawer.
  • It's fine if you're a managed-print customer where Lexmark service is already in place.
Look elsewhere

Skip this if...

  • Skip this if you need to scan or copy — get the XM1242 MFP version, same engine.
  • Skip this if you want Wi-Fi out of the box — this is wired Ethernet by default.
  • Skip this if your monthly volume is under 200 pages — a sub-$200 Brother or HP makes more sense.
  • Skip this if you need color — try the C2240 or C4150.
  • Skip this if you print only one or two pages at a time and the 9-12 second first-page-out frustrates you.
Full specifications

Every spec, no guessing

The Lexmark M1242 is a 42 ppm B&W single-function laser printer aimed squarely at small offices and personal-use power printers — think a busy accountant, a real estate office, or a workgroup of 3-5 people printing 500 to 2,000 pages a month. Standard duplex, 350-sheet input, gigabit Ethernet, and a 2.4-inch color screen for navigation. No Wi-Fi standard, no scanner, no copier — print only. The 1 thing buyers regret: forgetting it's print-only. People see 'Lexmark M1242' and assume MFP because Lexmark's M-series usually has scanning siblings (the XM1242 is the MFP version). If you need to scan or copy, you bought the wrong machine. The other quiet regret is that 42 ppm is fast on paper but the first-page-out time and warm-from-sleep delay can frustrate users who only print one page at a time. For continuous print runs it's quick; for one-page-then-wait workflow, it feels slower than the spec sheet suggests.
Print
Print technology Single-function
Print speed (mono) Up to 42 pages per minute
Print speed (color) Up to 42 pages per minute
Duplex printing Automatic Duplex
First page out < 6.25 seconds
Copy & Scan
Capability Monochrome Single-function
Duplex copy / scan Automatic Duplex
Scanner type
Scan destinations
Paper
Paper capacity 900 sheets
Paper size A5 · A4/Letter · Legal
Recommended monthly volume 1000 pages
Max monthly duty cycle 10,000 pages/month
Connectivity
Wired Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
USB USB for charging, data transfer, and OTG support
Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax , Wi-Fi Direct
Display 2-line 128 x 32 pixel
Physical & power
Form factor Desktop
Usage class Personal
Manufacturer Lexmark
Model 36S0240
How you can buy this printer

Buy it, lease it, or just reorder supplies

Three ways to get this printer, each priced to match how you actually use it. Most small offices lease because toner and maintenance are bundled. If you know what you need, buy outright. If you already own one, just reorder supplies.

Buy outright
One-time payment · yours to keep
Custom quote
Free delivery · 1-yr warranty
  • Machine is yours the day it arrives
  • 4,500-page starter toner included
  • 1-year Lexmark manufacturer warranty
  • Install help by phone or remote session
  • Order your own toner when the starter runs out
Request purchase quote →
Supplies only
Already own one? Just reorder.
Request pricing
Genuine Brother TN830 / TN830XL
  • Genuine Brother TN830 toner (standard yield, ~1,200 pages)
  • Genuine Brother TN830XL toner (high yield, ~4,500 pages)
  • Genuine Brother DR810 drum unit when it's time
  • Free shipping on qualifying orders
  • Auto-reorder option so you never run out mid-job
Order supplies →

Final lease rate depends on term length, credit profile, and bundled supplies. Outright purchase and supplies pricing varies with bundled warranty, install packages, and order volume. Request a quote for exact pricing.

Included with every order

What ships with the Lexmark M1242

The printer itself

Lexmark M1242 in original Lexmark packaging. Desktop form factor, roughly 10.2 x 15.7 x 14.7 inches

Starter toner

Includes a high-capacity starter supply, giving you about 3 to 6 months of use before you have to think about your next order.

Setup documentation

Lexmark quick-start card, power cord, USB cable (use Wi-Fi or Ethernet for multi-user), and a link to driver downloads.

Setup call (if you want it)

Book a 20-minute setup call with our team. We'll walk through network config, driver install, and first print. No extra cost, no sales pitch.

Supplies & consumables

Toner, yields, and what to actually reorder

The #1 question we get on this printer is "which toner do I buy?" Short answer: you have two cartridge options and a drum. Standard yield TN830 covers roughly 1,200 pages. High yield TN830XL covers roughly 4,500 pages and is the better value for most offices. Pick XL unless you print very little.

The drum unit (DR810) is separate and usually lasts 15,000 to 30,000 pages before it needs replacing. At a typical small office volume, expect to change it once every 2 to 4 years.

If you lease this printer through us, toner and drum are included. You never pay for supplies separately. That's usually the better deal once you add up real costs over 3 years.

TN830

Standard-yield toner

About 1,200 pages · fits all L2700 / L2750 / L2759 series

Quote
each
TN830XL

High-yield toner BEST VALUE

About 4,500 pages · recommended for most offices

Quote
each
DR810

Drum unit

15,000–30,000 pages · replace every 2–4 years · separate from toner

Quote
each
Request bulk supplies pricing →
5.0
★★★★★
Based on 2 verified customer reviews

Verified means the customer bought this exact model from us. We don't publish paid or incentivized reviews.

What customers actually say

The 5-star consensus: "it just works"

Small sample size, high signal. The 2 verified reviewers picked this model to replace older inkjets or aging Lexmark machines. Common threads in the feedback:

  • "Got this for our small office and it's been reliable for about two years now. Print quality is sharp, toner cartridges last a decent amount, and it handles our monthly volume without issues."
  • "Works well for what we need, though the setup took longer than expected. Network printing can be a bit finicky sometimes but once it's configured it stays stable."

Five reviews is a small sample. Want to see hundreds of reviews across our whole catalog? We have a 5.0 average on Google across 1,240+ reviews and an A+ BBB rating. Linked below.

Better Business Bureau
A+ BBB rated
Accredited business
★★★★★
5.0 on Google
1,240+ reviews
G2 verified vendor
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Vendor profile
Free quote · no obligation

Get a quote on the Lexmark M1242

Tell us how you want to pay (outright, lease, or supplies only) and what volume you run. You'll get a line-item quote back within one business day, from a specialist who actually works on these machines, not a general sales rep.

  • Real pricing, no runaround. Upfront monthly lease rate or outright price, plus shipping and any install add-ons itemized.
  • One business day turnaround. Quotes land in your inbox within 24 hours. Often faster.
  • No credit pull until you say yes. We don't ping your credit to give you a quote. Only if you sign.
  • Volume & bundled supplies. Tell us your monthly print volume and we'll price toner bundling so you don't get surprised.
FAQ

Lexmark M1242, common questions

The questions we get asked most often on this model. If yours isn't here, call (386) 261-8323 and get an answer in about 30 seconds.

Yes, the Lexmark M1242 ships with a starter toner cartridge. The starter toner has a yield of approximately 21,000 pages. Replacement toner options include the genuine Lexmark 24B6885 Black Toner, which also yields around 21,000 pages, and extra high-yield options like the 56F1X00 series. When you lease through us with toner included, you never pay for toner separately.
The Lexmark M1242 is a monochrome printer with a speed of 42 ppm and a monthly volume of 500 to 2,000 pages, while the Lexmark CS530 Series is a color printer with a speed of 35 ppm and a monthly volume of 800 to 3,500 pages. The M1242 is a single-function printer with no scanning or copying capabilities, whereas the CS530 Series includes a 2.8-inch color touchscreen and standard Wi-Fi. For small offices needing color and additional features, the CS530 Series is a better fit.
The Lexmark M1242 is suitable for small businesses with a monthly print volume of 500 to 2,000 pages. It offers a fast print speed of 42 ppm and standard duplex printing, making it ideal for small offices or workgroups of 3-5 people. However, it is a monochrome-only printer and lacks scanning or copying features.
No, the Lexmark M1242 is a monochrome-only printer and cannot print in color. If you need color printing, consider alternatives like the Lexmark CS530 Series, Lexmark MC3224i, or Lexmark C3224dw.
Request a quote through the form on this page or call us at (386) 261-8323. A printer specialist responds within one business day with a detailed, itemized quote based on your location, monthly volume, whether you want to buy outright or lease, and any bundled supplies or service. Quotes are free and no obligation. We do not pull credit to issue a quote.
Lexmark includes a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty on the Lexmark M1242 when purchased new from an authorized reseller. Smart Technologies is an authorized Lexmark reseller. Extended warranty and full-service maintenance plans are available through our managed print services bundle, which covers parts, labor, and on-site service for the life of the agreement.
Yes. Free delivery is included on every Lexmark M1242 order shipped within the continental United States. Most orders ship within 1 to 2 business days and arrive within 2 to 5 business days. Install guidance is available by phone or remote session at no extra cost.

Ready to put this printer to work?

Request a free, no-obligation quote on the Lexmark M1242. Lease, buy outright, or just order supplies. Quote in your inbox within one business day. Or call and talk to a specialist right now.

Get my free quote Or call (386) 261-8323