The HP LaserJet 1020 has below-average print quality in my opinion. There's
a lot of toner splash and characters have that fuzzy halo effect. Also, it
lacks PCL or PS emulation so many PDF files just won't print correctly.
However the engine fuses toner correctly (even to rougher paper) and doesn't
smudge fine lines like the HP LaserJet 1320.
I haven't used the Lexmark E238, but I have used the E240n. I think they're
very similar, certainly in the engine department. Characters are relatively
crisp, but dark and heavy, although this can be adjusted to acceptable
levels by lowering the toner density. No toner splash or fuzziness. I
would say it's comparable to the 1320, but nowhere near the 4200/4300 series
or Samsung ML-2250.