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An office printer/copier is a staple of the traditional workplace.
So, how do you get the right machine that will fulfill your printing requirements and serve your office for the long run?
As a long-time print vendor, we aim to answer this question for you by providing objective and factual information about the products we know the most.
Since we sell Xerox products specifically, we will be reviewing one of their machines, the Xerox AltaLink C8145, in this blog.
Because our company values revolve around honesty and transparency, we can tell you ahead of time that this machine will not be a fit for everybody.
There are also plenty of other printer brands that might be a better fit for your situation, and you should always seek multiple opinions when dealing with a purchase as large as a robust office printer.
So, with that out of the way, let’s get into the review, which will include the AltaLink C8145’s basic specifications, features, accessories, pros and cons before concluding with who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the printer.
Interested in the Xerox AltaLink C8145? Request a Quote for a free estimation of what you could expect to pay for this machine.
Xerox AltaLink C8145 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the AltaLink C8145 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 45 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and black-and-white
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 200,000 pages per month
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 20,000 pages per month
Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
First-Print-Out-Time: 4.90 seconds/color and 3.80 seconds black-and-white
First-Copy-Out-Time: 5.50 seconds/color and 4.40 seconds black-and-white
Base Model Dimensions: 24.4” x 28.5” x 44.5”
Base Model Weight: 316 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $11,000
For a look at the AltaLink C8145, see the picture below:
Xerox AltaLink C8145 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the AltaLink C8145 multifunction (MFP) printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox AltaLink C8145 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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Connect for DocuSign, which is an application that can aid daily business interactions by eliminating approval bottlenecks and keeping essential agreements moving forward quickly and efficiently. The price of the app is $14 a month, $149 a year or $315 for three years, and there is a 30-day free trial available. You must have a DocuSign account to access the app.
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Connect for Microsoft 365 and Connect for Microsoft OneDrive, which gives you a cloud-storage solution to find, store and print digitized documents. Both applications use the same pricing metric: $10 per month, $99 a year and $208 for three years.
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ET-Badge, which allows employees to clock in and out with their badge or a PIN number. The price of the app is $150 a year and requires registration to the ET-Badge portal, which can be done by emailing app@etiqube.com.
An example of the ET-Badge screen, 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.
Printer Security
The AltaLink C8145 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 a data loss as a result of unsecure printing practices, making printer security an increasing concern among buyers.
Xerox 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 about the AltaLink machines.
Xerox AltaLink C8145 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 C8145:
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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 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 C8145:
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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)
For a look at how the AltaLink C8145 could look with additional upgrades, see the picture below, courtesy of Xerox:
2 Pros of the Xerox AltaLink C8145
Now, let’s look at two of the main pros of the AltaLink C8145:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The AltaLink C8145 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-in-one print solution, the AltaLink C8145 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.
That last point is crucial, as consistently overusing the machine past its recommended volume will result in more service issues and a shorter lifespan.
Read our blog about understanding your machine’s duty cycle and print volume to learn more.
2 Cons of the Xerox AltaLink C8145
Let’s now go through two of the main cons of the AltaLink C8145:
1. Size of the Printer
Arguably the main downside to the AltaLink C8145 is that it’s a large machine and requires you to have adequate space that can accommodate the machine.
The AltaLink C8145 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 C8145 is likely not a fit for small businesses.
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 C8145’s electrical requirements are as follows (courtesy of Xerox):
Voltage: 110-127 VAC +/- 10%
Frequency: 50/60 Hz +/- 3%, 15 A
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 C8145.
Xerox AltaLink C8145 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the AltaLink C8145 is around $11,000. 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 C8145. 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 C8145 a Good Fit for?
The AltaLink C8145 is a good fit for:
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Medium-to-large-sized businesses that need an all-in-one, high-volume (up to 20,000 pages per month) printer 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 C8145. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
As you’re reading through this, you might be curious to see how the AltaLink C8145 compares to another similarly sized machine from a different brand. Read our blog comparing the AltaLink C8145 to the HP LaserJet Enterprise M776zs to see how the C8145 matches up with another brand’s multifunction printer.
Who Is the Xerox AltaLink C8145 Not a Good Fit for?
The AltaLink C8145 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 accommodate 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 C8145 model is one of five printers in the AltaLink C8100 Series, with the others being the C8130, C8135, C8155 and C8170 models.
They all contain the same basic technological features 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. 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.
If you like the technological features of the AltaLink C8145 but want a more efficient printer option, then the C8155 or C8170 would be the better fit.
If you don’t need the most efficient options, then the C8130 or C8135 models would be the ones to look into.
Think the Xerox AltaLink C8145 Is Right for You?
The AltaLink C8145 can meet the needs of medium-to-large-sized workgroups that require an all-in-one machine with color printing capabilities equipped with advanced technological features.
However, the AltaLink C8145 is not a fit for small workgroups that don’t print at a high volume, or for individuals who seek a personal desktop printing solution.
Many factors go into buying an expensive an-in-one printer, and they include who you ultimately decide to purchase from.
Being that we’ve been in the printer/copier industry for over 35 years, we’ve gained a reputation as a trusted partner and have the experience to guide you along your journey to a better printing solution.
If you think the AltaLink C8145 is right for you or want to inquire about another printing solution, reach out to us and our team of experts will lead you to the right place.
