How do you find the right printer for you and where do you find access to authentic information?
As a long-time local print vendor, we recognize the need for true and objective information when making an expensive office equipment purchase. We also realize the gap between the need for honest information and the lack of it out there.
That is where we try to make a difference. Using our industry expertise, we provide consumers with the knowledge they need without any sort of catch or ulterior motive.
The modern-day buyer has changed, and we’ve transformed along with them. In that vein, we will be providing a review of the Xerox VersaLink B7130 (upgrade of the VersaLink B7030), which is a product we sell and have intricate knowledge of.
Because of our progressive mindset in sales and marketing, we can tell you that this machine will not be for everybody, and Xerox, the brand we partner with, may not be a fit for you.
There is an abundance of printer brands on the market, and we will let you make your own decision when it comes to which machine will fit your office goals.
But if you want a comprehensive review of the VersaLink B7130 that is free of partiality, you’ve come to the right place.
With that out of the way, let’s get into the review, which will cover the printer’s basic specifications, key features, accessories and pros and cons before wrapping it up with a summary of who is and isn’t a fit for the machine.
Xerox VersaLink B7130 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the VersaLink B7130 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 30 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 129,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 15,000 pages
Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 5.2 seconds
First-Copy-Out-Time: As fast as 4.3 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 23.23” x 26.41” x 30.18”
Base Model Weight: 119.5 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $5,300
For a look at the base model of the VersaLink B7130, see the picture below: 
Xerox VersaLink B7130 Key Features
Now that we’ve gone over the machine’s basic specifications, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink B7130:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink B7130 contains a customizable, seven-inch tablet-like color touchscreen that allows you to complete printing tasks simply and effectively.
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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Book2Go, which allows you to scan a QR code on your printer and download a document to your eBook reader, tablet or mobile device. A one-year subscription for the application is $49 per device.
The Book2Go app:
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Scanning App for DocuShare, which is a free application that enables the scanning of documents into business workflows, no matter if it’s inside or outside a company’s firewall. The app requires an existing account on a DocuShare Flex or DocuShare server with workflow buttons pre-configured by a site administrator.
The Xerox App Gallery contains several industry-specific and general applications that can help increase overall 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, gives you the ability to convert hard-copy records into accessible cloud-based documents and allows you to control your printer from your smartphone.
Printer Security
The VersaLink B7130 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 and secure overwrite.
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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 external partnership with McAfee, which includes their whitelisting technology that consistently monitors, detects and blocks cyber threats on your device.
In a study conducted by Quocirca this year, 68% of those surveyed reported a 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:
Xerox VersaLink B7130 Accessories and Upgrades
Let’s take a look at some of the standard accessories and different configuration and finishing options that will allow you to customize and upgrade your machine in ways that best optimize your business needs:
Standard Accessories
Here are the accessories that come standard with the VersaLink B7130:
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A 130-sheet Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF)
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Card Reader Bay and embedded USB port.
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A 100-sheet Bypass Tray.
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A 520-sheet Tray.
Optional Accessories
Now, let’s look at some of the additional accessories you can have included with your machine upon purchase:
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The Single Tray Module (increases total paper capacity to 1,140 sheets; includes Bypass Tray)
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The Stand Module (offers a total paper capacity of 1,140 sheets and provides storage for toner cartridges and other supplies; includes Bypass Tray.)
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The Three Tray Module (can increase paper capacity to 2,180 sheets; includes Bypass Tray.)
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The Tandem Tray Module (can increase paper capacity to 3,140 sheets; includes Bypass Tray)
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The Envelope Tray (can replace Tray 1 to provide feeding of up to 60 envelopes.)
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High-Capacity Feeder (holds 2,000 sheets of letter/A4 paper.)
Print Finishing Options
Lastly, here are the finishing options you can include with the VersaLink B7130:
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The Office Finisher (provides 500-sheet stacking, three-position stapling and optional hole punch.)
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The Office Finisher with Booklet Maker (can be used to create 64-page saddle-stitched booklets ranging from 2 to 16 sheets.)
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The Work Surface and Convenience Stapler (Staples up to 50 sheets.)
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The Dual Off-Set Catch Trays (stack up to 250 sheets each.)
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The Integrated Office Finisher (provides 500-sheet stacking and 50-sheet, dual position stapling.)
These are some of the accessories and optional upgrades for the VersaLink B7130 that you can have included upon purchase.
Depending on the accessories you choose, the weight and dimensions of the printer will vary, as will the price. You should always consult your print provider to make sure the additional upgrades you want to include are worth the investment.
Here’s a look at what the VersaLink B7130 could look like with additional upgrades:
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink B7130
Next, let’s look at some of the pros of the VersaLink B7130:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The VersaLink B7130 is a multifunction printer, which means you’re getting a machine that not only has print capabilities but also can act as your scanner, fax machine and copier, as well.
The major advantage of purchasing a multifunction printer is you get all the basic office functions in one machine, without having to invest in or make space for a separate scanner, copier or fax machine.
For more information about multifunction printers, read these blogs:
2. Permanent Solution
In addition to being able to perform as an all-encompassing print solution, the VersaLink B7130 is also built to act as a permanent printing solution for your workplace.
Investing in an advanced multifunction printer is a long-term investment, which means you can expect the machine to last for a significant amount of time if you follow the recommended monthly print volume.
That last point is crucial, as consistently overusing the machine past its recommended volume could result in more service issues and a shorter product lifespan.
Read our blog about understanding your machine’s duty cycle and print volume to learn more.
2 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink B7130
Let’s now go through some of the cons of the VersaLink B7130:
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No Color Printing Capability
The main downside to the VersaLink B7130 is it only prints/copies in black-and-white, which means the machine would not be a fit for those that need to print in color.
If you’re looking for a similar multifunction option that can print in color, the VersaLink C7120 could be an option for you.
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the VersaLink B7130 can meet the print volume of small-to-medium-sized workgroups (3-10 daily users) it’s not built to withstand the workload required to satisfy large businesses’ printing needs.
With a recommended monthly print volume of 15,000 pages, the VersaLink B7130 likely wouldn’t be an option for large school districts, hospitals or offices that print over that 15,000-page print volume.
If you’re a large workgroup and are wanting a black-and-white multifunction printer option, you would want to look into one of the three options in the AltaLink B8100 Series.
Xerox VersaLink B7130 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink B7130 is around $5,300. 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 B7130 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 black-and-white multifunction printers, such as more advanced models like the AltaLink B8170, the VersaLink B7130 is not a cheap option.
Buying a long-term multifunction printer will almost always be more expensive than buying a single-function printer, and it’s a purchase that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Some vendors may offer trade-ins and there’s also the option to lease your printer, rather than purchase it outright. Leasing a printer breaks down the total price into more affordable monthly payments. For more information on this, read these blogs:
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink B7130 a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink B7130 is a good fit for:
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Small-to-medium-sized businesses that need an all-in-one black-and-white printer that can efficiently print over 10,000 pages per month.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, a user interface, applications and comprehensive security features.
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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 the VersaLink B7130 could be for you. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink B7130 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink B7130 is not a good fit for:
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Those searching for a single-function printer.
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Businesses that require a machine with color printing capability.
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Large workgroups with a monthly print volume of over 15,000 pages.
If you fall into one of these categories, then this is not the printer for you. Read our blog about how to choose a printer for your budget and business needs to help with choosing the right model for you.
Xerox VersaLink B7030 vs. Xerox VersaLink B7130?
As mentioned in the introduction, the VersaLink B7130 printer is the updated version of the VersaLink B7030 machine.
There are a few notable differences you need to be aware of between the two printers. They include:
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The B7130’s first print (5.2 seconds) and copy (4.3 seconds) out time is faster than the B7030’s first print (9.1 seconds) and copy (5.4 seconds) time.
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The B7130 has a 130-sheet Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder while the B7030 has a 110-sheet Duplex Automatic Document Feeder.
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The B7130 comes with McAfee’s Embedded Control whitelisting technology as a security feature while the B7030 does not.
Because of the added features and increased efficiency of the VersaLink B7130, it will be more expensive than the B7030, which starts at $3,600.
Think the Xerox VersaLink B7130 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink B7130 would be a quality option for workgroups of around 3-10 daily users that need a black-and-white multifunction printer built with advanced technology that allows for simple navigation and increased task efficacy.
However, the VersaLink B7130 is not a fit for workgroups that print over 15,000 pages, offices that need to print in color, or those that need a single-function printer for their workspace.
Since the 1980s, we’ve helped guide customers to their ideal print solution, and we’ve learned that every situation breeds a unique resolution.
It’s hard enough having to handle the daily business operations that encompass your daily responsibilities. Making a large purchase on top of that can be strenuous, and it opens you up to making the wrong purchase if you rush the process and buy the first machine you look into.
That’s why leaning on industry experts that have your best interest in mind is paramount to achieving your office equipment goals.
If you’ve read through this review and think the VersaLink B7130 is right for you, or still need help in determining which machine to go with, reach out to us and we will get you started on the next steps.
