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There are two objectives that all businesses can get behind: Increasing productivity in the workplace and saving money over the long haul.
One of the ways you can accomplish those goals is by forgoing the cheap retail printer options and investing in a machine that will serve as a long-term printing solution for your company.
Over our 35 years in the industry, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits reaped from consumers when buying a permanent office machine, but the type of printer you need will vary, and education is essential to finding the right one for you.
As a platinum status Xerox Agent Channel, we specialize in our knowledge of Xerox machines, which is why we’ll be providing a review of one of their color printing options, the VersaLink C7000, to see whether it would be the right fit for you.
You should be aware that this machine, and Xerox in general, will not be the best option for everyone, and the truth is, there are plenty of brands on the market that may offer something better fit for your situation.
Furthermore, we’re strict on objectivity and transparency, so while we’re going to be reviewing a machine we sell, it will be done with you, the reader, fully in mind, which means we’re going to tell the truth---no matter the sales consequences.
With that out of the way, let’s dive into the review, which will cover the VersaLink C7000’s basic specifications, key features, accessories, pros and cons and a summary of who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the printer.
After reading this, you should be fully equipped with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on whether this is the ideal machine for your situation.
Xerox VersaLink C7000 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 35 ppm (pages per minute)
Recommended Average Monthly Print Volume: Up to 10,000 pages per month
Duty Cycle: Up to 153,000 pages per month
Standard Paper Capacity: 620 sheets
Maximum Paper Capacity: 2,180 sheets
Maximum Print Resolution: 1200 X 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
First-Page-Out Time Printing: As fast as 8 seconds for color and black-and-white
Base Model Dimensions: 23.23" x 26.41" x 25.08"
Base Model Weight: Around 120 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $1,799
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink C7000 base model, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink C7000 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink C7000 printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C7000 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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Et-Survey, which lets you create a customized survey and display it on your printer’s home screen, where users can reply to it. The app requires a one-year subscription of $50 per device.
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Xerox Translate and Print is a general productivity application that helps eliminate language barriers, which is especially important to multinational corporations with diverse workgroups and school districts that have a student base from multiple countries. Over 44 languages are supported on the Translate and Print app, and the cost is tallied by the scan capacity you choose. A 100-page scan capacity is $50, a 1000-page scan capacity is $203 and a 5000-page scan capacity is $528.
The Xerox Translate and Print app:
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 C7000 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 C7000
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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Card Reader Bay
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USB Port
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100-sheet Bypass Tray.
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520-sheet tray.
Optional Printer Accessories:
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Single Tray Module, which increases total paper capacity to 1,140 sheets (includes Bypass Tray.)
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Single Tray with Stand Module, which increases total paper capacity to 1,140 sheets (includes Bypass Tray) and provides storage for toner cartridges and other supplies.
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Three Tray Module, which increases total paper capacity to 2,180 sheets (includes Bypass Tray.)
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Integrated Office Finisher, which provides 500-sheet stacking and 50-sheet, single-position stapling without increasing the footprint of the printer.
Depending on the accessories you choose, the weight and dimensions of the printer will vary, and you should always consult your print provider to make sure the additional upgrades you want to include are worth the investment since they will cost money.
Here’s a look at what the VersaLink C7000 could look like with additional upgrades:
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C7000
To get a better feel for what you’re getting with the VersaLink C7000, 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 C7000 delivers high-quality prints at speeds of up to 35 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 consistent color vibrancy.
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Permanent Office Solution
In addition to its capability of printing at a high volume, the VersaLink C7000 is also built to act as a permanent color and black-and-white 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 C7000
Now that we’ve covered some of the positives of the VersaLink C7000, let’s go over some of the negatives to give you a holistic view of what the machine can and can’t do:
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Single-Function Printer Only
A notable downside to the VersaLink C7000 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 Xerox VersaLink C7125, which retains many of the same abilities as the C7000 model but also has the ability to copy, scan and fax, as well as print.
For more information on multifunction printers, read these blogs:
2. Needs Requisite Space to Operate
Another thing to keep in mind with the VersaLink C7000 is that it’s a hefty machine, with dimensions of 23.23 x 26.41 x 25.08 in and a base model weight of around 120 pounds.
Because of its size, you will need to make sure you have a place to fit not only the machine’s basic dimensions but its space requirements too.
A printer’s space requirements sometimes referred to as space envelope, are the necessary amount of space the machine needs to operate to its full capacity and perform basic functions, such as changing toner cartridges and performing general maintenance.
Read our blog on what space and electrical requirements are and why they’re important to consider before purchasing to learn more.
Xerox VersaLink C7000 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C7000 is around $1,799. 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 C7000 model. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
The VersaLink C7000 is an advanced color printer and is built as a long-term printing solution, which means it is not going to be a cheap option and should be vetted extensively before purchasing.
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 C7000 a Good Fit for?
The VersLink C7000 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.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, such as a touchscreen and 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 C7000. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C7000 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C7000 would not be a good fit for:
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Businesses that require an all-in-one, multifunction option that can print, copy, scan and fax.
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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 20,000 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 C7000 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink C7000 is an option for workplaces that desire an advanced color printer that can comfortably print 10,000 pages a month at a high-quality resolution.
However, workgroups that require a device with multifunction capabilities, or a black-and-white-only printer, would not be a fit for the VersaLink C7000 and would need to look at another model.
It’s not always cut and dry when trying to figure out which machine will provide the best return on your investment in the office.
We’ve helped numerous clients of differing sizes in finding the right printer for their situation, even if it required a unique resolution.
If you’re interested in the VersaLink C7000 or want to discuss your current print environment, reach out to us and we will find the best solution for you, even if it’s not with us.
