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It’s understandable why buying the most affordable printer is an attractive option.
Not only does it cost less, but it requires little effort to find a machine that will be “good enough” for the time being.
The problem with the “cheapest option” logic is that buying a printer just because it’s cheap, and subsequently ignoring the volume you need a machine to handle, can lead you to pay more in the long run for service issues, supplies and a replacement because the cheap printer ended up being unsuitable for your printing needs.
As a local vendor that has seen this scenario play out numerous times, we want to put a halt to that trend by giving you honest and impartial information so you can base your decision on knowledge rather than finding the quickest, cheapest, option.
Because we maintain platinum status as a Xerox Agent Channel, we are acutely familiar with their product catalog and can provide you with a comprehensive review of any one of their machines.
Just because we are writing a review on a machine we sell does not mean we’re going to lie and say it’s the perfect machine for everybody.
It’s not, and there are many brands that have vast catalogs of printers that may be better for your situation than a Xerox machine.
This review will give you the tools to decide yourself whether the Xerox VersaLink C500, the printer we’ll be covering today, is a fit for you or not.
With that out of the way, let’s get into the review, which will cover the machine’s basic specifications, key features, configuration options and pros and cons to help you assess whether it could be a fit for you.
Xerox VersaLink C500 Basics
Let’s go over some of the basics of the VersaLink C500 model, including print speed, volume and resolution, as well as size and cost.
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Print Speed: Up to 45 pages per minute (ppm)
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Monthly Duty Cycle: 120,000 pages
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Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 10,000 pages
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Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
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First-Page-Out-Time: As fast as 10 seconds in color/ 8.5 seconds black-and-white
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Minimum Dimensions: 16.9 X 18.4 x 17.5 in.
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Base Model Weight: 61 lbs.
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Workgroup Size: 5-15 daily users
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Cost: Starting at around $899
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink C500 base model, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink C500 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink C500 printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C500 contains a customizable, five-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 Microsoft 365, which gives you a cloud-storage solution to find, store and print digitized documents. The app is priced per device at $10 per month, $99 a year and $208 for three years.
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Summarizer, which automates summaries of documents by using artificial intelligence to condense pages to create a concise interpretation of the source text. This app can be used on any Xerox device with related ConnectKey technology, and the price depends on the number of credits (one-page counts for one credit) that you account for. The 250-credit price is $49, the 1,000-credit price is $159 and the 5,000-credit price is $659.
The Xerox Summarizer app:
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Email Connect, a free application that lets you scan documents to your email address by choosing your email provider, putting in your email address and then pressing save.
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, 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 C500 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 external partnership with Cisco and their Identity Services Engine (ISE), which provides dynamic detection and classification of network endpoints.
In a technological world where cybercrime has become prevalent, 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 C500
Let’s take a look at the different 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 500-sheet output tray with a tray-full sensor.
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A 100-sheet Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder that scans two-sided originals for copy, scan and fax jobs.
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A 2,000-sheet High-Capacity Document Feeder.
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Up to four additional 550-sheet paper trays.
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Optional Stand/Cabinet (includes stabilizers)
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RFID Card Reader Kit
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Optional 250 GB Hard Drive
These are some of the accessories and optional upgrades for the VersaLink C500 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 C500 could look like with additional upgrades:
3 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C500
Let’s look at some of the pros of the VersaLink C500:
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Large Color Printing Capacity
The VersaLink C500 is a reliable machine that can withstand a monthly print volume of 10,000 pages for a sustained period of time. Because of its capacity for a large print volume, it can serve as an option for workplaces of up to 15 users.
The VersaLink C500 is durable and, if the monthly print volume is properly followed, should be able to act as a permanent color printing solution for your workplace.
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Affordable Option for Small Businesses
Compared to other, more robust, Xerox color printers, the VersaLink C500 is relatively affordable as a permanent office printing solution.
Advanced models such as the machines in the AltaLink C8000 series, can be costly and the VersaLink C500 model offers a long-term color printing option for small businesses at a more affordable price.
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Can Fit in Compacted Workspaces
The VersaLink C500’s size allows it to fit in small workplaces while still having the capability to print at a high volume with fast print speeds. Its minimum dimensions are 16.9 X 18.4 x 17.5 in.
However, the machine’s exact dimensions are not the only thing you need to follow. Space requirements, defined as the necessary space for the machine to perform its basic functions, and electrical requirements, must be considered before purchasing.
Read our blog on why a printer’s space and electrical requirements are important to think about before purchasing a machine.
3 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink C500
Now, let’s go over a few of the cons with the VersaLink C500:
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Single-Function Solution Only
The notable downside to the VersaLink C500 is that it’s a single-function machine, which means it can only print.
If you require a color printer with multifunction capabilities, you will want to look into the VersaLink C625 which retains many of the same abilities as the C500 model but also has the ability to copy, scan and fax, as well as print.
For more information on multifunction printers, read these blogs:
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No Print Finishing Options
Additionally, the VersaLink C500 does not have print finishing options, such as stapling or hole-punch. If you’re a business that requires print finishing options, then you would want to look at a color multifunction printer, like the VersaLink C625, that contains finishing options.
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Not Capable of Printing Certain Sizes
The VersaLink C500 doesn’t have the capability to print tabloid-sized paper (11 x 17 inches), or anything larger than 8 ½ x 14 inches. If you need a printer that can print larger prints, then this is not the machine for you.
If you’re wanting a color printer that can make prints larger than 8 ½ x 14 inches, the VersaLink C7000 would be an option, although it is an advanced color printer, and thus, will be more expensive ($1,799)
Xerox VersaLink C500 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C500 is around $899. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
Another thing to keep in mind is you will need to buy a separate Wireless Connectivity Kit to set up WIFI for the VersaLink C500 model. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
While being a relatively affordable option compared to other multifunction printers, such as the AltaLink C8000 series, the VersaLink C500 is built as a long-term printing solution, which means it is not an inexpensive option.
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 its total cost into more affordable, monthly payments. For more information on consumer purchasing options, read these blogs:
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C500 a Good Fit for?
This VersaLink C500 is a good fit for:
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Workgroups of 5-15 users
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Small businesses that need a color printing solution.
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Businesses that are looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, such as an App Gallery and user interface.
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Businesses looking to make a long-term printing investment.
If you fall into one of these categories, then you would be a candidate for the VersaLink C500. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with an expert before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C500 Not a Good Fit for?
Those who are not a good fit for the VersaLink C500 are:
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Individuals that are searching for a printer for personal use.
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Businesses that require finishing options on their printer.
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Businesses that need copying, scanning and faxing capabilities, in addition to printing.
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Businesses that need a more robust printing solution (more than 10,000 pages per month)
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 selecting the printer that will best meet your goals.
Think the Xerox VersaLink C500 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink C500 serves as a quality choice for businesses that desire a color printer with advanced technological features that can act as a permanent solution for your workplace.
However, this model is not a fit for businesses that require multifunction capabilities, finishing options on their printer or need a machine that can adequately handle more than 10,000 pages per month.
It’s our foremost goal as a company to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision in the purchasing process, whether it’s with content or a conversation.
Any major purchase requires deep contemplation and leaning on industry experts that you can trust is typically a major component of the research process.
If you are interested in the VersaLink C500 or want to inquire about another print solution, reach out to us and we will point you in the right direction, even if it’s not with us.
