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Buying a printer/copier for your office is much like buying a new car or computer.
They each serve a vital role in your daily life, but it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down exactly which product is right for you.
You may not put an office printer in the same category as a new car, but if you end up dropping a lot of money on the wrong printer, it can damage your daily business operations and force you to pay unnecessary expenses to either fix the machine or get a new one in place.
We’ve been a printer/copier vendor for almost 40 years now, and we’ve concluded that finding the right machine for your company involves research and education.
But to be properly informed on a machine, you first need access to the correct information. As a Xerox Platinum Status Partner, we have the expertise necessary to formulate a comprehensive review of their machines.
However, just because we sell Xerox machines doesn’t mean we’re going to lie to you and say that it is far superior and the absolute perfect fit for your workplace.
There are plenty of options out there, and for some, Xerox will not be the choice—and that’s okay.
We just want to give you a detailed overview of one of your options so you’re fully confident in making a buying decision yourself.
With that out of the way, this review will cover the Xerox AltaLink B8145, a black-and-white multifunction (print, copy, scan and fax) printer.
We’ll be going over its basic specifications, features, accessories, pros, cons and cost before wrapping it up with a bulleted list of who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the machine.
Banner image courtesy of JustTech.
Xerox AltaLink B8145 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the AltaLink B8145 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 45 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 200,000 pages per month
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 50,000 pages
Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Print-Out-Time: 3.80 seconds
First-Copy-Out-Time: 4.40 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 24.4” x 28.5” x 44.5”
Base Model Weight: 316 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $7,500
For a look at the AltaLink B8145, see the picture below:
Xerox AltaLink B8145 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the AltaLink B8145 multifunction (MFP) printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox AltaLink B8145 contains a customizable, 10.1-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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Connect for Blackboard, which is an education-based application that allows teachers and students to upload and store documents into Blackboard for their classes from the printer. Users must have a Blackboard Learn account to access the app, and its price ranges from $10 a month, $99 a year or $208 for three years.
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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.
An example of the ET-Survey app, courtesy of the Xerox App Gallery:
The Xerox App Gallery contains several industry-specific and general applications that can help increase overall office productivity. To find out if apps would be a good fit for your workplace, read our blog on the pros and cons of apps for your printer.
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 with mobile connectivity features.
AltaLink devices also include specific features such as a smart proximity sensor and multi-destination scanning that aren’t included with Xerox’s other machines. Read our blog about the Xerox AltaLink family to learn more.
Printer Security
The AltaLink B8145 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 partnerships with McAfee and Cisco, which includes McAfee’s Whitelisting technology and Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE).
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 and something you should consider before purchasing a machine.
Xerox AltaLink B8145 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 AltaLink B8145:
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Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF)
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Two 520-sheet Adjustable Trays
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High-Capacity Tandem Tray Configuration (Holds up to 3,140 sheets of paper)
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Bypass Tray (Handles up to 100 sheets)
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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Envelope Kit (Replaces the first tray and provides feeding of up to 60 envelopes)
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High-Capacity Feeder (Holds 3,000 sheets of letter/A4 paper, increasing maximum paper capacity to 6,140 sheets)
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Long Sheet Feed Kit (Can print up to 12.6” x 52” prints)
Print Finishing Options
Lastly, here are the finishing options you can include with the Altalink B8145:
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Office Finisher (provides advanced finishing functions and optional crease/score and saddle-stitch booklet-making)
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Business Ready Finisher (advanced finishing functions)
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C-Fold/Z-Fold Unit (adds C-fold, Z-fold and Z-half-fold capability to the BR Finisher or BR Booklet Maker Finisher)
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BR Booklet Maker Finisher (creates 64-page saddle-stitched booklets—2-to 16 sheets)
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Integrated Office Finisher (Provides 500-sheet stacking and 50-sheet, 2-position stapling.
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Convenience Stapler (Staples up to 50 sheets of 20 lb. / 75 gsm (Grams per Square Meter)
For a look at how the AltaLink B8145 could look with additional upgrades, see the picture below, courtesy of Xerox:
2 Pros of the Xerox AltaLink B8145
Now, let’s look at two of the main pros of the AltaLink B8145:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The AltaLink B8145 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. With an MFP, you get all these 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:
2. Permanent Printing Solution
In addition to being able to perform as an all-encompassing print solution, the AltaLink B8145 is also built to act as a permanent printing solution for your workplace.
Investing in an advanced multifunction printer is a long-term investment, which means you can expect the machine to last for a significant amount of time if you follow the recommended monthly print volume.
Although printers have a monthly duty cycle that lists the volume they can print at, it’s always recommended to use a machine’s monthly print volume as a barometer for how much you should print in a month.
Consistently printing at the machine’s duty cycle rather than the recommended print volume can result in more service issues and a shorter product lifespan.
Read our blog about understanding your machine’s duty cycle and print volume to learn more.
2 Cons of the Xerox AltaLink B8145
Let’s now go through two of the main cons of the AltaLink B8145:
1. Size of the Printer
Arguably the main downside to the AltaLink B8145 is that it’s a large multifunction printer and requires you to have adequate space that can accommodate the machine.
The AltaLink B8145 weighs 316 pounds and contains a base configuration width of 24.4 inches, a depth of 28.5 inches and a height of 44.5 inches.
For reference, see the base configuration of the AltaLink B8170 (roughly the same dimensions as the B8145 model) below:
Because of its large size and high volume, the AltaLink B8145 is likely not a fit for small businesses that don’t have the requisite room or need for an advanced multifunction printer.
You will also need the following electrical requirements to install the AltaLink B8145, courtesy of Xerox:
“Voltage: 110-127 VAC +/- 10% Frequency: 50/60 Hz +/- 3%, 15 A”
A machine’s space and electrical requirements are crucial determinative factors that must be considered before purchasing. Read our blog about the differences between equipment measurements and space requirements to learn more.
2. No Color Printing Capability
The main downside to the AltaLink B8145 is it only prints/copies in black-and-white, which means the machine can’t satisfy color printing needs.
If you’re looking for a similar multifunction option that can print in color, the AltaLink C8145 could be an option for you.
Xerox AltaLink B8145 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the AltaLink B8145 is around $7,500. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
You will also need to purchase a separate Wireless Connectivity Kit to set up WIFI on the AltaLink B8145. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
Buying a multifunction printer will almost always be more expensive than buying a single-function (print-only) printer, and it’s a purchase that should not 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 AltaLink B8145 a Good Fit for?
The AltaLink B8145 is a good fit for:
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Medium-to-large-sized businesses that need an all-in-one, high-volume (around 50,000 pages per month), printing solution with color printing capabilities.
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Those looking to purchase a printer with advanced technological features and industry-specific applications that help automate workflows.
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Those who require advanced finishing options on a multifunction machine.
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Those looking to make a long-term printing investment.
If you fall into one of these categories, then you are a candidate for the AltaLink B8145. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox AltaLink B8145 Not a Good Fit for?
The AltaLink B8145 is not a good fit for:
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Those searching for a single-function printer for personal use.
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Small-to-medium-sized businesses that don’t print at a high volume.
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Those who don’t have the space requirements and electrical capacity to house the machine.
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.
What Are the Other Models in the Xerox AltaLink B8100 Series?
The AltaLink B8145 model is the first of the three printers in the AltaLink B8100 Series, with the others being the B8155 and B8170 models.
They all contain the same basic technological features and accessories but differ in function efficiency. The more advanced the model gets in the series, the more efficient it will be.
This is displayed by the ascending print speeds in the series: the AltaLink B8145 has a print speed of up to 45 ppm, the B8155 has a print speed of up to 55 ppm and the B8170 has a print speed of up to 72 ppm.
The same can be said for the recommended monthly print volume. The B8145 model has a monthly print volume of up to 50,000 pages, the B8155 has a monthly print volume of up to 75,000 pages, and the B8170 has a monthly print volume of 100,000 pages.
If you like the technological features of the AltaLink B8145 but want a more efficient option, then you would want to look into the other two models in the Series.
Read the blogs below to see reviews of the two other machines in the AltaLink B8100 Series:
Think the Xerox AltaLink B8145 Is Right for You?
The AltaLink B8145 is a capable option for medium-to-large-sized workgroups that need a black-and-white multifunction option that is equipped with advanced technological features and includes a range of finishing options.
However, the AltaLink B8145 is not a fit for small workgroups that don’t print at around 50,000 pages per month or for individuals that seek a personal desktop printing solution.
The machine is also not a fit for workgroups that require color printing capability or don’t have the space to accommodate the printer.
Our goal at STPT is to equip you with the honest information you need to feel confident in making a purchasing decision for yourself.
If you’ve read through this and think the AltaLink B8145 could be for you, or you need help finding a print solution for your situation, reach out to us and we will use our expertise to guide you through the next steps.
