Multifunction printers, like the Xerox VersaLink B615, are not cheap and require extensive research to find the right one for you.
In a world where most companies’ chief goal is to make a sale, finding the right, unbiased, information to inform you of everything you need to know about an office machine before purchasing can be difficult.
Not having the right information at your fingertips can lead to a wrong purchase, costing you thousands of dollars and mass frustration as the machine you hoped would last for the long haul failed to meet your needs.
That’s where we come in. There is an urgent need for accurate and impartial information when it comes to the printer/copier industry, and we’re here to use our almost four decades of expertise to fill that need.
We sell Xerox products and regularly give detailed reviews of their products, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you open your wallet.
Because honesty drives our content-making process, we can tell you upfront that this machine, and Xerox as a brand, will not be for everyone.
The truth is, there are a lot of brands that manufacture and sell office machines, and you should always vet out your options before purchasing a printer. But since our expertise lies with Xerox products, we’re going to stick to what we know best.
So, let’s get into the review of the Xerox VersaLink B615, which will cover the machine’s basic specifications, features, accessories, pros, cons and cost before summing it all up with who would and wouldn’t be a good fit for the printer.
Note: The Xerox VersaLink B625 is the newest version of the Xerox VersaLink B615.
Xerox VersaLink B615 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
One-Sided Print Speed: Up to 65 ppm (pages per minute)
Two-Sided Speed: Up to 58.5 ppm
Recommended Average Monthly Print Volume: Up to 30,000 pages
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 300,000 pages/month
Maximum Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Page-Out Time Printing: As fast as 3.7 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 18.5" x 19.8" x 25.3"
Base Model Weight: 67.2 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $2,899
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink B615 base model, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink B615 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink B615 printer.
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink B615 multifunction printer (MFP) contains a customizable, seven-inch tablet-like touchscreen that allows you a simple and effective way to complete printing tasks.
You can tailor the user interface to your business’s goals by choosing from the numerous applications on Xerox’s App Gallery. A few examples include:
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Connect for Dropbox, which lets you store and pull documents from the cloud storage service, Dropbox. The app costs $10 per month, $99 per year or $208 for three years.
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@PrintByXerox, which is a free app that can be used as a medium to print from your mobile device. To do this, you send an email with an attachment of the documents you need to print to the Print@PrintByXerox.com address. You will then receive a code you can use on any machine that is ConnectKey-enabled and has the @PrintByXerox app downloaded on it.
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Quick Link, which is a free application that allows you to connect to your laptop, computer or mobile device from your printer via an email or QR code scan
The Quick Link app, courtesy of Xerox:
The Xerox App Gallery contains several applications that can aid in office productivity. For more information on the different kinds of apps, read the following blogs:
The touchscreen interface and app gallery are a part of Xerox’s ConnectKey technology, which, among other things, allows you to convert hard-copy records into accessible cloud-based documents and allows you to control your printer from your smartphone.
Printer Security
The VersaLink B615 contains a four-point approach to security that’ll help prevent, detect and protect against cyberattacks at all points of vulnerability.
According to Xerox’s website, these include:
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Network intrusion and data transmission
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Protection from unauthorized access
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Stringent data encryption
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Added security to individual documents
Some of the security measures involve a comprehensive Firmware Verification test upon printer activation, and further security enhancements by Xerox’s partnership with Cisco, a tech company that offers security solutions.
Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE), which can “auto-detect Xerox devices on the network and classify them as printers for security policy implementation and compliance,” according to Xerox.
In a study conducted by Quocirca this year, 68% of those surveyed reported data loss as a result of unsecure printing practices, making printer security an increasing concern among buyers.
It’s helpful to inform yourself of the security measures that companies are taking before making a purchasing decision. To learn more about printer security, read these blogs:
Additional Configuration Options for Xerox VersaLink B615
Let’s take a look at the different accessories and configuration options that will allow you to customize and upgrade your machine in ways that best optimize your business needs:
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A 2,000-sheet High-Capacity Document Feeder (includes caster base)
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Up to four 550-sheet document feeders.
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Finisher option (500 sheets, 50-sheet stapler)
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A four-bin mailbox (100 sheets per bin)
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Caster base
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Stand/Cabinet (includes stabilizers)
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Wireless network adapter (Wi-Fi kit)
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RFID Card Reader Kit
Depending on the accessories you choose, the weight and dimensions of the printer will vary, and should consult your vendor before purchasing any type of optional accessory to make sure it's worth the investment.
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink B615 with additional upgrades, see the picture below, courtesy of Just-Tech:
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink B615
To get a better feel for the advantages of purchasing the VersaLink B615, let’s look at a couple of the main pros associated with the machine.
1. Large Printing Capacity
With a recommended average monthly print volume of up to 30,000 pages and a duty cycle of up to 300,000 pages per month, the VersaLink B615 is built to handle a sizable printing capacity for workgroups of up to 12-20 daily users.
Although the machine can technically print up to 300,000 pages per month, you should always follow the recommended monthly print volume to avoid major service issues and a shorter product lifespan.
To learn more about print volume and duty cycle, read these blogs:
2. All-In-One Printing Solution
The benefit of investing in a multifunction printer like the Xerox VersaLink B615 is that you’re getting a machine that not only has print capabilities but also acts as your scanner, fax machine and copier.
With a multifunction device, you get all these functions in one machine without having to invest in or make space for separate machines to handle the functions individually.
For more information about multifunction printers, read these blogs:
2 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink B615
Now that we’ve covered some of the positives regarding the VersaLink B615, let’s go over some of the negatives that you need to consider before making a purchasing decision:
1. No Color Printing Capabilities
The main downside to the VersaLink B615 is it cannot print documents in color. If this is a requirement for you, then you would want to look into a color multifunction printer, such as the VersaLink C625.
Read our review blog on the Xerox VersaLink C625 for a more in-depth look at the model.
2. Cannot Print Tabloid or Large-Sized Prints
Another con to the VersaLink B615 is it cannot make prints larger than 8.5” x 14”, which is your typical legal-sized paper. If you need to print on tabloid-sized paper (11” x 17”) or higher, you will not be a fit for this machine.
Xerox VersaLink B615 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink B615 is around $2,899. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
While you will still be able to execute wireless printing as long as the printer is connected to your network, you may want to purchase a separate Wireless Connectivity Kit to set up WIFI on the VersaLink B615 if you don’t have adequate network drops in your office.
It’s also handy if you need to move the printer around the office to ensure you will be able to print wirelessly. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
While being a relatively affordable option compared to other multifunction printers, such as the machines in the AltaLink C8100 series, the VersaLink B615 is not an inexpensive option. Buying a multifunction printer will almost always be more expensive than buying a single-function (print-only) printer.
Some vendors may offer trade-ins and there’s also the option to lease your printer, rather than purchase it outright. For more information on this, read these blogs:
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink B615 a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink B615 is a good fit for:
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Workgroups of 12 to 20 users that need to print/copy around 30,000 pages per month.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, such as a customer-facing App Gallery and touchscreen user interface.
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Those looking to make a long-term printing investment for their workplace.
If you fall into one of these categories, then you would be a candidate for the VersaLink B615. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink B615 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink B615 is not a good fit for:
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Small businesses that don’t need to print 30,000 pages per month.
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Large businesses that need to regularly print more than 30,000 pages in a month.
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Individuals searching for a single-function printer for personal use.
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Workgroups that require the ability to print or copy documents in color.
If you fall into one of these categories, then this is not the model for you. Read our blog on how to choose a printer for your budget and business needs to help with choosing the right model for you.
Think the Xerox VersaLink B615 Is Right for You?
The Xerox VersaLink B615 is a solid option for medium-to-large-sized workgroups that need a multifunction printer with a large printing capacity and contains advanced technological features.
However, this machine will not be a fit for everyone. If you need a single-function printer, require color printing capabilities, or don’t print near the machine’s 30,000-page recommended monthly print volume, then you will not want to buy this printer model.
Our number one goal as a print vendor is to get the right machine in place for your company as quickly as possible. Because your office printing equipment should be the least of your worries when running a business.
If you’re interested in the VersaLink B615 or need help finding the right machine, reach out to us and an experienced business consultant will be there to guide you through the next steps.
