The Lexmark E250/350/450 machines were introduced in January 2006. They are replacing the E230/330/240/340 series of machines. These cartridges are not backwards compatible with the E230/240/series. The cartridges and chips (in the toner cartridges) are all new. Figures 1-3 show the foam and plastic spacer shipping protector. The plastic keeps the PCR from contacting the drum.

Figures 4-11 show the differences from the E230 (12A8302) drum unit (left column) and the new E250 (E250X22G) (right). The new machines are based on a Lexmark 30-, 35- or 45-ppm (depending on the printer), 1,200-dpi engine. With a street price of around $265 (as of February 2007) for the E250, these machines continue to be very popular.