Office printers/copiers used to be basic machines that would do exactly what their name implied.
Fast forward to today and printers could now be considered office assistants thanks to their ability to automate and execute daily functions, improving general work productivity in the process.
On the surface, this is a good thing: Almost every workplace can get behind increasing productivity in the office. The catch with modern-day printers, however, is you have to get the right one for your situation, and if you don’t it can lead to a wasted expense.
With how expensive printers are today, a sunk printer cost is something you can ill-afford. Which makes the research process as crucial as ever to ensure you put the right office machine in place for your company.
As a local print vendor for almost 40 years, we are veterans of the printer industry and can tell you almost anything you would want to know about office machines.
This is especially true with Xerox products, since that is what we sell, and it is our job to know everything about their assortment of machines.
However, that does not mean the printer we will be reviewing today, the Xerox VersaLink C7130 multifunction printer (MFP) (update of the VersaLink C7030), is perfect and would be a great fit for everybody.
We don’t operate as an us-driven organization. Our belief is in educating you with honest and accurate information so you can make the purchasing decision yourself.
So, this review will not be full of bold claims that highlight how our product is superior to every other product on the market. Instead, it will be a comprehensive, expert-led, analysis that will give you all the information you need to decide whether this is the right machine for you.
With that being said, let’s get into the review of the Xerox VersaLink C7130, which will include the printer’s basic specifications, features, accessories, pros and cons and cost before wrapping it up with a summary of who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the device.
Interested in the Xerox VersaLink C7130? Request a Quote for a free estimation of what you could expect to pay for this machine.
Xerox VersaLink C7130 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the VersaLink C7130 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 7,000 pages
Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 7.0 seconds color/5.4 seconds black-and-white
First-Copy-Out-Time: As fast as 6.7 seconds color/4.4 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 $5,700
For a look at the base model of the VersaLink C7130, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink C7130 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 C7130:
Touchscreen Interface and Xerox App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C7130 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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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 screen, courtesy of Xerox:
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Xerox Content Hub, which is a free cloud-based solution for any Xerox ConnectKey-enabled printer. The app allows you to create a cloud-based repository of documents that can be accessed whenever and wherever you need to print.
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Connect for iManage, which is an app built for law firms that helps digitize hard-copy files and print documents. The price of the app will range from $10-$208 per device, depending on if you go with the one-month ($10), one-year ($99) or three-year plan ($208).
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 C7130 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 C7130 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 C7130:
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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 C7130:
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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 C7130 could look like with additional upgrades:
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C7130
Next, let’s look at some of the pros of the VersaLink C7130:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The VersaLink C7130 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 C7130 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 C7130
Let’s now go through some of the cons of the VersaLink C7130:
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the VersaLink C7130 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 7,000 pages, the VersaLink C7130 wouldn’t be an option for large school districts, hospitals or offices that print or copy over 7,000 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 C7130 is that its size may not properly fit in all work environments, especially small or cluttered workplaces.
The base model of the VersaLink C7130 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 C7130 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C7130 is around $5,700. 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 C7130 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 C7130 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 the cost of a printer and how you can pay for it, read these blogs:
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C7130 a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C7130 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 7,000 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 C7130 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 C7130 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C7130 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 7,000 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 C7030 vs. Xerox VersaLink C7130?
As mentioned in the introduction, the VersaLink C7130 printer is the updated version of the VersaLink C7030 machine.
There are a few notable differences you need to be aware of between the two printers. They include:
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The C7130’s first print (7.0 seconds color, 5.4 seconds black-and-white) and copy (6.7 seconds color, 4.4 seconds black-and-white) out time are both faster than the C7030’s first print and copy-out times.
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The C7130 has a 130-sheet Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder while the C7030 has a 110-sheet Duplex Automatic Document Feeder.
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The C7130 comes with McAfee’s Embedded Control whitelisting technology as a security feature while the C7030 does not.
Because of the added features and increased efficiency of the VersaLink C7130, it will be more expensive than the C7030 model, which starts at around $4,400.
Think the Xerox VersaLink C7130 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink C7130 is a quality option for workplaces with around 3-10 daily users that need an advanced color multifunction printer that can serve as their office’s main machine for the long haul.
However, the VersaLink C7130 is not a fit for workgroups that print over 7,000 pages, offices that need to print in black-and-white only, or those that need a single-function printer for their workspace.
We’ve learned a lot over our time in the industry, but there may be no two things more important in getting the right office machine in place than conducting a thorough research process and choosing a trusted partner to guide you through your printer-ownership journey.
Your office equipment or print environment should never be a point of stress in your life. You have much more important things to worry about.
Using our expertise and customer-first mindset, we can take any stress you have about printing and copying and put it on our shoulders—so you can worry about what really matters: Your business’s goals.
If you think the VersaLink C7130 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.
