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Are you looking for an all-in-one, or multifunction printer, that can print, copy, scan and fax documents in color and black-and-white?
The Xerox VersaLink C605 could be for you, then. But how do you know if it’s the exact office machine you are looking for?
As a long-time print vendor that strives to give consumers the information they need to make the best purchasing decision possible, we want to answer this question in the form of a comprehensive review.
Because we are a platinum partner of Xerox, we know everything there is to know about their product arsenal and can adequately cover what you need to be informed on when it comes to the VersaLink C605 printer.
“But you’re reviewing a product you sell—how do I know this will be a fair review?”
Indeed, we are reviewing a product we sell, which would normally result in a salesly piece about how our product is “so much better than the competition!”
But that is not our company philosophy; the modern buyer has changed, and so have we.
Our goal with this blog is to objectively inform you on a product we are experts in, and then move to the side to let you make your decision on your own.
There are plenty of options out there, and you should absolutely vet out every option you have to make sure you’re getting the best price possible.
With that out of the way, let’s get into the review, which will cover the VersaLink C605’s basic specifications, features, accessories and pros and cons before summing up who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the machine.
Note: The Xerox VersaLink C625 is the newest version of the Xerox VersaLink C605.
Xerox VersaLink C605 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 55 ppm (pages per minute)
Recommended Average Monthly Print Volume: Up to 17,000 pages per month
Duty Cycle: Up to 120,000 pages per month
Print Resolution: 1200 X 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 400 dpi
First-Page-Out Time Printing: As fast as 5.2 seconds for color and 4.8 seconds for black-and-white
First-Copy-Out Time: As fast as 6.7 seconds for color and 4.8 seconds for black-and-white
Cost: Starting at around $4,814
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink C605 base model, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink C605 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink C605 printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C605 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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Applications that allow for connections to cloud-based services, including Connect for Dropbox, Connect for Google Drive and Connect for Microsoft OneDrive. Subscriptions are on a per-device basis and can range from one month ($10), one year ($99) or three years ($208).
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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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Xerox Note Converter, which uses Google’s AI technology to convert handwritten notes into a Microsoft Word document. The price of the app is $5 a month, $49 a year and $119 for three years.
Example of the Xerox Note Converter 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, 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 C605 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 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. Read our blog on Xerox’s approach to cybersecurity to learn more about the company’s security profile.
Xerox VersaLink C605 Accessories and Upgrades
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:
Standard Printer Accessories
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A 400-sheet output tray with a tray-full sensor.
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A Card Reader Bay for an internal Card Reader/RFID Kit.
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A 250 GB Hard Drive that increases the capabilities of numerous app-based functions.
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A front-side USB port that allows users to print from or scan to any standard USB memory device.
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A 150-sheet Bypass Tray.
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A paper tray that handles up to 550 sheets of paper.
Optional Printer Accessories
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A 2,000-sheet High-Capacity Feeder.
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A 100-sheet Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF) that scans two-sided originals for copy, scan and fax jobs.
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Up to four additional 550-sheet paper trays.
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Finisher option, which collates and staples sets of up to 50 sheets and includes a 500-sheet output tray.
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A four-bin mailbox that can handle up to 100 sheets in each tray.
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A cabinet that provides storage for toner cartridges and other supplies.
Depending on the accessories you choose, the weight and dimensions of the printer will vary, and you should always consult your print vendor to make sure the additional upgrades you want to include are worth the investment.
Here’s a look at what the VersaLink C605 could look like with additional upgrades, courtesy of Just-Tech:
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C605
To get a better feel for the advantages of purchasing the VersaLink C605, let’s look at some of the main pros associated with the machine:
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Superb Print Quality and Speed
With a print resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, the VersaLink C605 delivers high-quality prints at speeds of up to 55 ppm, meaning it can print both efficiently and effectively.
The high print resolution applies to both black-and-white and color prints, resulting in sharp text, fine line detail and solid color vibrancy.
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Permanent Office Solution
In addition to its capability of printing at a high volume, the VersaLink C605 is also built to act as a permanent color printing solution for your workplace
As a general rule investing in a long-term printing solution will cost you more in the short term but save you more in the long run.
This is because the supplies and upkeep for cheaper retail options can be expensive and difficult to find. Most cheap printing options are built as short-term replacements and are not ideal for workplaces that have a large print volume.
2 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink C605
Now that we’ve covered some of the positives regarding the VersaLink C605, let’s go over some of the negatives that you need to consider before making a purchasing decision:
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Incapable of Printing Certain Paper Sizes
The VersaLink C605 cannot print 11 x 17 prints (tabloid), or anything larger than 8 ½ x 14 in. If you need a printer that can print larger or specialty 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 could be an option, although it is an advanced color printer, and thus, will be more expensive ($1,799)
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Limited Finishing Options
Another con to the VersaLink C605 is it is limited in the number of print finishing options you can execute on the machine.
Besides basic stapling and collating, the VersaLink C605 cannot perform other finishing options, such as hole punch, for documents.
If you need a color multifunction printer with more advanced finishing options, the AltaLink C8135 could be an option for you.
Xerox VersaLink C605 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C605 is around $4,814. 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 C605 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 C8100 series, the VersaLink C605 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 C605 a Good Fit for?
The VersLink C605 would be a good fit for:
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Small-to-medium-sized businesses that need a color printer with a large monthly print volume (Up to 17,000 pages).
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, such as touchscreen navigation and an App Gallery.
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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 C605. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C605 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C605 would not be a good fit for:
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Businesses that require a single function, or print-only, machine.
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Those who require a black-and-white printer only.
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Businesses that need a machine to handle a robust monthly print volume (over 17,000 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 choosing the right model for you.
Think the Xerox VersaLink C605 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink C605 is a quality option for workgroups of 10-20 daily users that need an efficient color multifunction printer to act as their office’s permanent printing solution.
However, workgroups that need a single-function device, a black-and-white only printer or a more robust printing solution that has a higher print volume and more configuration options, will need to look at another model.
Buying a long-term printer for your office should not be a rash decision. Take a look at some of the other options on the market if you haven’t already and assess which one would be the best fit for you.
If you decide the VersaLink C605 is the one for you, and you need a trusted partner to provide you with the machine, we will be here for you.
Our goal is to make your office printing equipment the least of your worries, so you can focus on what really matters: Your business.
If you’re interested in the Xerox VersaLink C605 or want to discuss your other options, reach out to us and we will find the solution for you, even if it’s not with us.
