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The Xerox VersaLink C9000 is the largest color printer in Xerox’s product catalog, which means it won’t be a cheap purchase.
That makes having access to factual and unbiased information crucial if you’re interested in purchasing this machine.
As a company that’s sold office printing equipment for almost four decades, we’ve learned that the key to the perfect printer purchase is education.
Because we are an accredited Xerox Platinum Status Partner, we specifically specialize in Xerox-branded products and can sell you any one of their numerous machines if you decide there is one fit for you.
That is a decision we want you to make yourself, though. We’re not going to say Xerox printers are better than every other printer on the market, because that would not be true for every workgroup.
What we can promise is that we will be upfront and honest with you, both in this review and in every other interaction we may have with you in the future.
But for now, let’s get into the review of the Xerox VersaLink C9000, which will include the machine’s specifications, features, accessories, pros, cons, cost and a summary of who would be an ideal candidate for the printer and who wouldn’t.
Xerox VersaLink C9000 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information to help you get a feel for the VersaLink C9000’s print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 55 ppm (pages per minute)
Recommended Average Monthly Print Volume: Up to 30,000 pages per month
Duty Cycle: Up to 270,000 pages per month
Standard Paper Capacity: 1,140 sheets
Maximum Paper Capacity: 5,140 sheets
Maximum Print Resolution: 1200 X 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
First-Page-Out Time Printing: As fast as 10 seconds for color and black-and-white
Base Model Dimensions: 24.4” x 28.5” x 31.9”
Base Model Weight: 178 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $4,829
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink C9000 base model, see the picture below, courtesy of Xerox:
Xerox VersaLink C9000 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink C9000 printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C9000 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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@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.
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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).
The Connect for Microsoft 365 app, courtesy of the Xerox App Gallery:
The Xerox App Gallery contains several applications that can aid in office productivity. For more information on the different kinds of apps, and to find out if apps could be useful for you, read the following blogs:
The touchscreen interface and customer-facing 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 C9000 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, especially among printers, it’s beneficial to inform yourself of the security measures that companies are taking before making a purchasing decision.
Printer Accessories for Xerox VersaLink C9000
Let’s take a look at the standard and optional accessories that will allow you to customize and upgrade your machine in ways that best optimize your business needs:
Standard Accessories
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Card Reader Bay and internal card reader compartment.
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Front-Side USB Port. (USB ports can be disabled)
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100-sheet Bypass Tray.
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Two 520-sheet trays.
Optional Accessories
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Optional Envelope Kit (replaces first paper tray), which provides trouble-free feeding of up to 50 envelopes.
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Tandem Tray Module adds up to 2,000 sheets of paper (8.5” x 11”).
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Two Tray Module, which increases total paper capacity to 1,040 sheets.
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High-Capacity Feeder adds up to 2,000 sheets of paper.
Print Finisher Options
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Dual Offset Catch Tray, which is standard when finishers are not attached; 250 sheets for each tray.
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Optional Office Finisher, which gives you advanced finishing functions at a great value and offers optional crease/score and saddle-stitch booklet making capable of 60-page booklets (2 to 15 sheets).
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Optional BR Booklet Maker Finisher allows you to create 64-page saddle-stitched booklets (2 to 16 sheets).
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 C9000 could look like with additional upgrades (courtesy of Xerox):
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C9000
To get a better feel for the benefits of the VersaLink C9000, let’s look at some of the main pros associated with the machine:
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Solid Print Quality and Speed
With a print resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, the VersaLink C9000 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 consistent color vibrancy.
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Permanent Office Solution
In addition to its capability of printing at a high volume, the VersaLink C9000 is also built to act as a permanent printing solution for your workplace
However, you will need to adhere to its recommended monthly print volume, which is 30,000 pages per month. Printing over a printer’s recommended monthly print volume consistently can result in an increase in service issues and a shorter product lifespan.
Print volume is arguably the most important factor in getting the right printer in place. Read our blog on the importance of print volume to learn more.
2 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink C9000
Now that we’ve gone through two of the main pros of the VersaLink C9000, let’s go through two of the machine’s main cons:
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Doesn’t Copy, Scan or Fax
A notable downside to the VersaLink C9000 is that it’s a single-function machine, which means it can only print and can’t copy, scan or fax.
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 C9000 model but also can copy, scan and fax, as well as print.
2. Needs Requisite Space to Operate
Another thing to keep in mind with the VersaLink C9000 is that it’s a hefty machine, with dimensions of 24.4” x 28.5” x 31.9” in and a base model weight of around 178 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 C9000 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C9000 is around $4,829. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
As mentioned in the introduction, the VersaLink C9000 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 C9000 a Good Fit for?
The VersLink C9000 would be a good fit for:
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Businesses that need a color printer with a large monthly print volume (around 30,000 pages per month).
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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 C9000. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C9000 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C9000 would not be a good fit for:
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Businesses that require an all-in-one or 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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Workgroups or individuals that need a smaller, cheaper, printer.
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Businesses that need a machine to handle a more robust monthly print volume (over 30,000 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 C9000 Is Right for You?
Now that you’ve read through the review and are more informed about the VersaLink C9000, is it right for you?
To reiterate, for those that need an advanced color printer to handle high-volume printing, then the VersaLink C9000 could be an option for you. However, it is an expensive printer and would not be able to meet the needs of workgroups that need a machine to print, copy, scan and fax.
Printers/copiers are central components to many workplaces, and we at STPT believe in the idea that your office printing equipment should be the least of your worries.
There are many issues that come up in the daily operations of a business, but your office printer should be the last thing you have to worry about. That is the goal we set for every client we deal with.
If you’re interested in the VersaLink C9000 or want to discuss some other options for your workplace, reach out to us and we will find the best solution for you, even if it’s not with us.
