How can you truly tell which printer is perfect for your workplace?
Many consumers choose to buy whichever option “seems” right for their situation. The problem with this logic is it can be a precursor to a costly mistake if you realize later that the printer that “seemed” right at the time ended up not being able to handle your company’s document workload.
This situation happens more than you would think, and if you don’t conduct enough research to know which printer is worth investing in, it could happen to you.
We’ve been a printer/copier vendor for over 35 years and have compiled enough industry expertise to provide you with extensive content that will cover what you need to know so you can decide for yourself what machine is best for you.
We sell Xerox machines specifically, and we use our insider knowledge of their products to compile comprehensive and unbiased reviews to afford you access to the honest information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
In truth, Xerox will not be for everyone, and we would be lying if we said otherwise. Many brands make up the printer industry, and you should always vet out your options, just like you would if you were buying a new car.
It’s up to you to decide which machine would be right for your business. All we want to do is give you the information, so you won’t have to scour the Internet in your research process.
With all that being said, let’s get into the review of today’s printer of interest, the Xerox VersaLink C7120 multifunction printer (MFP), which is an updated model of the Xerox VersaLink C7020 MFP and was released earlier this year.
This review will cover the printer’s basic specifications, features, accessories, and pros and cons before summarizing who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the VersaLink C7120.
Xerox VersaLink C7120 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the VersaLink C7120 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 20 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 87,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 5,500 pages
Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 8.8 seconds color/6.9 seconds black-and-white
First-Copy-Out-Time: As fast as 8.1 seconds color/5.7 seconds black-and-white
Base Model Dimensions: 23.23” x 26.41” x 30.18”
Base Model Weight: 137.9 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $4,400
For a look at the base model of the VersaLink C7120, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink C7120 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 C7120:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C7120 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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@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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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.
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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.
Example of the “Print from Microsoft 365” screen:
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 C7120 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 C7120 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 Printer Accessories
Here are the accessories that come standard with the VersaLink C7120:
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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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The touchscreen User Interface.
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A 100-sheet Bypass Tray.
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A 520-sheet Tray.
Optional Printer 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, increasing paper capacity to 5,140 sheets.)
Print Finishing Options
Lastly, here are the finishing options you can include with the VersaLink C7120:
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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.)
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 C7120 could look like with additional upgrades:
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C7120
Next, let’s look at some of the pros of the VersaLink C7120:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The VersaLink C7120 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 to 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:
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Superb Print Quality
With a print resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, the VersaLink C7120 delivers high-quality prints on par with the best color multifunction printers on the market.
The high print resolution applies to both black-and-white and color prints, resulting in sharp text, fine line detail and topnotch color vibrancy on all prints.
2 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink C7120
Let’s now go through some of the cons of the VersaLink C7120:
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the VersaLink C7120 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 5,500 pages, the VersaLink C7120 wouldn’t be an option for large school districts, hospitals or offices that print or copy over 6,000 pages per month.
If you’re a large workgroup and are wanting a more robust color multifunction printer, you would want to look into one of the three options in the AltaLink C8100 Series.
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Size of Printer Not Adequate for Small Workplaces
Another downside to the VersaLink C7120 is that its size may not properly fit in all work environments, especially small or cluttered workplaces.
The base model of the VersaLink C7120 weighs about 138 pounds and contains a base configuration width of 23.23”, a depth of 26.41” and a height of 30.18”.
A machine’s exact dimensions, space requirements and electrical requirements are crucial determinative factors that must be considered before purchasing. Read our blog about the importance of space and electrical requirements when buying a printer to learn more.
Xerox VersaLink C7120 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C7120 is around $4,400. 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 C7120 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 color multifunction printers, such as more advanced models like the AltaLink C8170, the VersaLink C7120 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 C7120 a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C7120 is a good fit for:
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Small-to-medium-sized businesses that need a color multifunction printer that can efficiently print around 5,500 pages per month.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, a touchscreen 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 C7120 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 C7120 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C7120 is not a good fit for:
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Those searching for a single-function (print only) printer.
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Businesses that need a black-and-white printer only.
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Workgroups with a monthly print volume of over 5,500 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 C7020 vs. Xerox VersaLink C7120?
As mentioned in the introduction, the VersaLink C7120 printer is the updated version of the VersaLink C7020 machine.
There are a few notable differences you need to be aware of between the two printers. They include:
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The C7120’s first print (8.8 seconds color, 6.9 seconds black-and-white) and copy (8.1 seconds color, 5.7 seconds black-and-white) out time are both faster than the C7020’s first print and copy-out times.
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The C7120 has a 130-sheet Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder while the C7020 has a 110-sheet Duplex Automatic Document Feeder.
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The C7120 comes with McAfee’s Embedded Control whitelisting technology as a security feature while the C7020 does not.
Because of the added features and increased efficiency of the VersaLink C7120, it will be more expensive than the C7020 model, which starts at around $2,000.
Think the Xerox VersaLink C7120 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink C7120 would be a solid option for offices with around 3-10 daily users that need a color multifunction printer built with advanced technology that allows for simple navigation and increased task efficiency.
However, the VersaLink C7120 is not a fit for workgroups that print over 5,500 pages, offices that need to print in black-and-white only, or those that need a single-function printer for their workspace.
Our goal in the content-making process is to equip your mind with the information it needs to make as informed of a buying decision as possible.
It’s a simple sentiment, but one we’ve come to know very well: The more knowledgeable you are about a subject before purchasing, the better chance you will have at getting the greatest return on investment.
If you think the VersaLink C7120 is right for you, or still need more information to help determine which office printer to go with, reach out to us and we will find the solution for you, even if it’s not with us.
