Buying the right printer/copier for your workplace is one of the most important things you can do to make your office more efficient.
But how do you know whether a machine like the Xerox AltaLink C8130, which we will be reviewing today, is the best one for you?
The answer is education, and as a print vendor for almost 40 years now that specializes in Xerox products, we have the expertise to let you in on all the information you need to know before deciding whether to buy the AltaLink C8130.
Because, as our experience has shown us, buying the wrong office machine can cripple your daily document processes and cause frustration that should not occur with your office printing equipment.
However, we are not going to be the type of company that champions its products in favor of objectivity; we’re going to give you the unbiased and accurate information you need so you can make the decision for yourself.
Xerox will not be the company for every workplace, and many printer brands sell machines that may better suit your needs.
We just want to give you access to a fair review, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision when the time comes.
Let’s start by going over some basic specifications before getting into the key features of the AltaLink C8130, its accessories, pros, cons and cost. We’ll wrap it up by summarizing who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the machine.
Banner image courtesy of Cortron Systems.
Xerox AltaLink C8130 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the AltaLink C8130 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and black-and-white
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 90,000 pages per month
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 12,000 pages
Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Print-Out-Time: 5.70 seconds/color and 4.20 seconds black-and-white
First-Copy-Out-Time: 6.10 seconds/color and 4.50 seconds black-and-white
Base Model Weight: 316 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $8,100
See the picture below for a look at the AltaLink C8130’s base dimensions:
Xerox AltaLink C8130 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the AltaLink C8130 multifunction (MFP) printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox AltaLink C8130 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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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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Book2Go, which allows you to scan a QR code on your printer and download a document to your eBook reader, tablet or mobile device. A one-year subscription for the application is $49 per device.
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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.
Example of the Xerox Note Converter app, courtesy of Xerox:
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 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 C8130 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.
It’s helpful to inform yourself of the security measures that companies are taking before making a purchasing decision.
Interested in the Xerox AltaLink C8130? Request a Quote for a free estimation of what you could expect to pay for this machine.
Xerox AltaLink C8130 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 Accessories
Here are the accessories that come standard with the AltaLink C8130:
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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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Four Tray Module Configuration (Holds up to 2,180 sheets of paper)
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Bypass Tray (Handles up to 100 sheets)
Optional 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 C8130:
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Office Finisher
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Business Ready Finisher
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C-Fold/Z-Fold Unit
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BR Booklet Maker Finisher (creates 64-page saddle-stitched booklets—2-to 16 sheets)
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Dual Offset Catch Tray (Available when no finishers are installed)
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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)
Adding some of the optional accessories or finishing options will cost money and likely add to the size of the machine, which we will go over in more detail in the “Cons” section of this review.
For a look at how the AltaLink C8130 could look with additional upgrades, see the picture below, courtesy of JTF Business Systems:
2 Pros of the Xerox AltaLink C8130
Now, let’s look at two of the main pros of the AltaLink C8130:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The AltaLink C8130 is a multifunction printer, which means you’re getting a machine that has print capabilities and can also act as your scanner, fax machine and copier.
With a multifunction device, 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 C8130 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 C8130
Let’s now go through two of the main cons of the AltaLink C8130:
1. Size of the Printer
Arguably the main downside to the AltaLink C8130 is that it’s a large machine and requires you to have adequate space that can accommodate the machine.
The AltaLink C8130 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.
Because of its large size and high volume, the AltaLink C8130 is likely not a fit for small businesses that don’t have the requisite room or need for an advanced multifunction printer.
A machine’s exact dimensions and space 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. Must Meet Printer's Electrical Requirements
In addition to evaluating your office space, you also need to check your electrical outlet to make sure it’s compatible with the machine’s requirements.
The AltaLink C8130’s electrical requirements are as follows (courtesy of Xerox):
Most companies nowadays will meet the electrical requirements needed for AltaLink devices, but if you don’t meet those requirements, you would have to update your electrical outlet before purchasing the AltaLink C8130.
Xerox AltaLink C8130 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the AltaLink C8130 is around $8,100. 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 C8130. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
Buying a multifunction printer will almost always be more expensive than buying a single-function 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 C8130 a Good Fit for?
The AltaLink C8130 is a good fit for:
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Medium-to-large-sized businesses that need an all-in-one, high-volume (12,000 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 C8130. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox AltaLink C8130 Not a Good Fit For?
The AltaLink C8130 is not a good fit for:
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Those searching for a single-function (print-only) 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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Businesses that need a black-and-white only printer.
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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 C8100 Series?
The AltaLink C8130 model is the first of the five printers in the AltaLink C8100 Series, with the others being the C8135, C8145, C8155 and C8170 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 C8130 has a print speed of up to 30 ppm, the C8135 has a print speed of up to 35 ppm, the C8145 has a print speed of up to 45 ppm, the C8155 has a print speed of up to 55 ppm and the C8170 has a print speed of up to 70 ppm.
The same can be said for the monthly duty cycle of the machines. The C8130 model has a duty cycle of up to 90,000 pages, the C8135 has a monthly duty cycle of up to 110,000 pages, the C8145 has a duty cycle of up to 200,000 pages and the C8155 and C8170 have a duty cycle of up to 300,000 pages.
Think the Xerox AltaLink C8130 Is Right for You?
The AltaLink C8130 is a quality option if you’re looking for a multifunction printer that can safely print up to 12,000 pages per month and act as your central office machine for the long run.
However, the AltaLink C8130 is not a fit for small workgroups that don’t print at a high volume or don’t have the necessary space to fit the machine. Individuals seeking a personal desktop printing solution, or a black-and-white printer only will also need to look elsewhere.
At STPT, we hold the belief that your office printing equipment should be the least of your concerns during your daily business operations. To get to that point, though, you have the get the right machine in place for your company.
If you’ve read through this and think the AltaLink C8130 might be for you, or you need help finding the right print solution, reach out to us and we will guide you toward your ideal machine.
