Are you finding it challenging to navigate the vast sea of office printers, unsure which one will truly meet your team's needs? We understand that the wrong choice can lead to inefficiencies, frustration, and unexpected costs. You want a printer that fits seamlessly into your workflow, but with so many options, how do you know which one to trust?
At our company, we've spent nearly four decades helping businesses just like yours find the perfect print solutions. We've become experts in Xerox products, and our deep knowledge allows us to provide insights that go beyond the spec sheet. We've seen what works—and what doesn’t—in real-world office environments, so you can count on us to give you honest, reliable advice.
In this article, we’re focusing on the Xerox AltaLink C8255. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about this device, from its key features to its strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make a confident decision, ensuring that the Xerox AltaLink C8255 is either the perfect match for your office or helping you identify if another option might serve you better.
Stick around, and we'll provide a clear summary of who will benefit most from this machine and who might want to explore other alternatives.
Xerox AltaLink C8255 Basics
Here is some general information and statistics about the AltaLink C8255 to help you understand its print speed, volume, resolution, and cost:
- Print Speed: Up to 55 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and black-and-white
- Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 300,000 pages per month
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 22,000 pages
- Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch)
- Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
- First-Print-Out-Time: 4.5 seconds color and 3.2 seconds black-and-white
- First-Copy-Out-Time: 4.6 seconds color and 3.6 seconds black-and-white
- Base Model Weight: 316 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $16,070
See the picture below for a look at the AltaLink C8255’s base dimensions:
Xerox AltaLink C8255 Key Features
Here are some of the standout features of the AltaLink C8255 multifunction (MFP) printer:
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox AltaLink C8255 features a customizable 10.1-inch tablet-like color touchscreen, which helps simplify printing tasks.
You can tailor the user interface to your business’s goals by choosing from the many applications on theXerox App Gallery. The C8255 (along with all other Xerox AltaLink 8200 MFPs) comes with three pre-loaded AI apps (with included credits) for your convenience:
- Xerox Auto-Redaction App: This app automatically redacts, highlights, or underlines personally identifiable information (PII) using set words or phrases. You can scan 2,000 pages for $76, 7,500 pages for $219, or 25,000 pages for $549.
- Xerox Summarizer App: An app that uses AI to generate summaries of lengthy documents like news articles and blog posts. Credit packages start at 250 credits for $49, 1,000 credits for $159, and 5,000 for $659.
- Xerox Note Converter App: This app uses Google’s AI technology to convert handwritten notes into a Microsoft Word document. It costs $5 a month, $49 a year, and $119 for three years.
Example of the Xerox Note Converter app, courtesy of Xerox:
These three apps come with free credit allowances at installation: 750 credits for the Auto-Redaction app, 325 credits for the Summarizer app, and 300 credits for the Note Converter app. If you need additional credits or want to learn more about how they work, contact us, and we’ll be glad to help you.
The Xerox App Gallery has several industry-specific apps to boost office productivity. For more information on Xerox’s app offerings, read the following blogs:
- Pros and Cons of Printer Apps: Should You Invest?
- Top 10 Apps in the Xerox App Gallery
- Top 5 Printer Productivity Apps in Xerox App Gallery
Xerox's ConnectKey technology adds mobile and cloud capabilities to your MFP. With this technology, you can convert physical documents into cloud-based files and manage your printer from your smartphone using mobile connectivity features.
AltaLink machines also have unique features like a smart proximity sensor and multi-destination scanning, which are not available in other Xerox machines. For more information, check out our blog on the Xerox AltaLink family.
Advanced User Experience
The Xerox AltaLink B8200 and C8200 Series models enhance productivity with their advanced user experience, designed to minimize busy work and streamline daily tasks. Here's how it helps you work smarter:
► Adaptive Learning and Automation: Leveraging AI algorithms, the new AltaLink models learn and recognize your frequently performed or complex tasks. They then suggest and create 1-Touch shortcuts for your routine copy, scan, and email jobs, allowing you to complete these jobs in seconds.
► Smart Reminders: If you’ve previously set up a 1-Touch shortcut but forget to use it, the AltaLink models will remind you while you're setting up your job.
► Personalized Interface: These models automatically reorganize and prioritize features based on your usage patterns. They present the default screen for the most frequently used job apps—whether it's copying, scanning, or emailing—making the most relevant options readily accessible.
With these features, the new AltaLink family saves time and effort, helping you focus on the work that truly matters. Check out our blog on the five new AltaLink C8200 & B8200 features to learn more.
Printer Security
The AltaLink C8255 uses a four-point security approach that helps prevent, detect, and protect against cyberattacks at all points of vulnerability. Additionally, Xerox collaborates with McAfee/Trellix and Cisco to further enhance security. This collaboration includes the use of Trellix’s Whitelisting technology and Cisco's Identity Services Engine (ISE).
According to Xerox’s website, their security approach includes:
- Network intrusion and data transmission
- Protection from unauthorized access
- Stringent data encryption and secure overwrite.
- Added security to individual documents
When setting up the AltaLink, it undergoes a thorough Firmware Verification test as part of the security measures. Xerox has also designed this series of products with default security templates to make it easy to implement a level of security that you feel comfortable with. Check out our blog on the five new AltaLink C8200 & B8200 features to learn more.
In a recent study by Quocirca, 67% of respondents reported data loss due to unsecured printing practices, making printer security an increasing concern among buyers.
It’s a good idea to learn about a company’s security measures before making a purchase decision. Learn more about Xerox’s approach to security here.
Interested in the Xerox AltaLink C8230? You can customize it in our product configurator to fit your needs, or simply request a quote for pricing details.
Xerox AltaLink C8255 Accessories and Upgrades
Let’s explore the various standard accessories, configuration options, and finishing choices that allow you to tailor and enhance your machine to better suit your business needs.
Configurations and Accessories
Here are some of the configurations that are available for the AltaLink C8255:
- Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF)
- Two 520-sheet Adjustable Trays
- High-Capacity Tandem Tray Configuration (Holds up to 3,140 sheets of paper)
- Bypass Tray (Handles up to 100 sheets)
Optional Accessories
You can also choose to include additional accessories upon your machine purchase:
- Fax Kits
- Envelope Tray (Replaces the first tray and provides feeding of up to 60 envelopes)
- High-Capacity Feeder (Holds 3,000 sheets of letter/A4 paper, increasing maximum paper capacity to 6,140 sheets)
- 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 C8255:
- Office Finisher (With 2-position stapling, optional hole-punch and optional booklet maker)
- Business Ready Finisher (With staple and hole-punching capabilities)
- C-Fold/Z-Fold Unit
- BR Booklet Maker Finisher (Can saddle-stitch from 2 to 16 sheets)
- Dual Offset Catch Tray (Available when no finishers are installed)
- Integrated Office Finisher (Provides 500-sheet stacking and 50-sheet, 2-position stapling.
- Convenience Stapler (Staples up to 50 sheets of 20 lb. / 75 gsm (Grams per Square Meter)
Adding optional accessories or finishing options will make the machine more costly and will also increase the size of the printer. We will discuss this in more detail in the "Cons" section of this review.
For a look at how the AltaLink C8255 could look with additional upgrades, see the picture below:
2 Pros of the Xerox AltaLink C8255
Now, let’s look at two pros for this machine:
1. All-In-One Printing Solution
The AltaLink C8255 is a multifunction printer; it can print, scan, and copy. Faxing capability requires an additional faxing kit accessory.
With a multifunction device, you get all these basic office functions in one machine without needing a separate scanner, copier, or fax machine.
For more information about multifunction printers, read these blogs:
- All-in-One Printer: How Is it Different From a Regular Printer?
- 9 Multifunction Printer Myths Explained & Debunked
2. Permanent Printing Solution
In addition to being an all-encompassing print solution, the AltaLink C8255 is designed to serve as a permanent printer for your workplace.
When investing in a multifunction printer, it's important to stick to the recommended monthly print volume rather than the monthly duty cycle. By doing so, you can avoid an increase in service issues that may result from exceeding the recommended monthly print volume and maximize the lifespan of your machine.
Read our blog on the difference between a machine’s duty cycle and recommended print volume to learn more.
2 Cons of the Xerox AltaLink C8255
Now, let’s review two of the main cons of this machine:
1. Size of the Printer
Arguably, the main downside of the AltaLink C8255 is its large size, which requires ample space to accommodate it.
This machine weighs 316 pounds and has a base configuration width of 24.4 inches, a depth of 28.5 inches, and a height of 44.5 inches.
The AltaLink is a large machine meant for high-volume environments. It may not be suitable for small businesses that lack sufficient space or the need for an advanced multifunction printer.
Remember, it's important to consider a machine's size and space requirements before purchasing it. To learn more, check out our blog on understanding the differences between printer dimensions and space requirements.
2. Must Meet Printer's Electrical Requirements
In addition to assessing your office space, make sure to check the electrical outlet to ensure it meets the machine's requirements.
The AltaLink C8255’s electrical requirements are as follows (courtesy of Xerox):
Most companies can now meet the electrical requirements for AltaLink devices. However, if you don't meet the requirements, you'll need to update the electrical outlet before installing this printer.
Learn more about electrical and space requirements here.
Xerox AltaLink C8255 Cost
As stated previously, the AltaLink C8255's initial cost is around $16,070. However, this doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include when you purchase the machine.
This printer comes with a network connection (RJ45). If you want to print wirelessly, you will need to purchase a separate Wireless Connectivity Kit to set up WIFI on the machine. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $139.
Remember, all-in-one printers usually cost more than single-function printers, so choosing the right one requires some careful thought.
Some vendors may provide trade-in options, and you also have the choice to lease the printer instead of buying it outright. Leasing a printer breaks down the total price into more affordable monthly payments. Learn more about the cost of printers with these blogs:
- How Much Does a Printer/Copier Cost?
- Leasing vs Purchasing a Printer: Which Is Right for You?
- How Trading In Your Current Copier/Printer Could Benefit Your Organization
Who Is the Xerox AltaLink C8255 a Good Fit for?
This machine is a good fit for:
- Medium- to large-sized businesses that need an all-in-one, high-volume (22,000 pages per month) printing solution with color printing capabilities.
- Those who want to buy a printer with advanced technological features and industry-specific applications that help automate workflows.
- Those who require advanced finishing options on a multifunction machine.
- Those looking to make a long-term printing investment.
If you find yourself fitting into any of these categories, you are an ideal candidate for the AltaLink C8255. Nevertheless, we highly recommend discussing your specific printing needs with a business consultant before making a purchase.
Who Is the Xerox AltaLink C8255 Not a Good Fit For?
The AltaLink C8255 is not a good fit for:
- Those searching for a single-function (print-only) printer for personal use.
- Small-to-medium-sized businesses that don’t print at a high volume.
- Businesses that need a black-and-white only printer.
- 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 model is not for you. To help you choose the right model, read our blog on how to choose a printer for your budget and business needs.
What Are the Other Models in the Xerox AltaLink C8200 Series?
The AltaLink C8255 is one of five printers in the AltaLink C8200 Series, which also includes the C8230, C8235, C8245, and C8270 models.
These models all have the same basic features and accessories, but their efficiency improves as you move up to more advanced models.
The print speeds in the 8200 series increase as follows: the AltaLink C8230 has a print speed of up to 30 ppm, the C8235 has a print speed of up to 35 ppm, the C8245 has a print speed of up to 45 ppm, the C8255 has a print speed of up to 55 ppm, and the C8270 has a print speed of up to 70 ppm.
The same can be said for the machines' monthly duty cycles. The C8230 model has a duty cycle of up to 90,000 pages, the C8235 has a duty cycle of up to 110,000 pages, the C8245 has a duty cycle of up to 200,000 pages, and the C8255 and C8270 have a duty cycle of up to 300,000 pages.
Think the Xerox AltaLink C8255 Is Right for You?
The AltaLink C8255 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a multifunction printer that can safely print up to 22,000 pages per month and act as your primary office machine for the long term.
However, this model isn't the best choice for small workgroups with low printing needs or limited space. If you need a personal desktop or black-and-white printer, you should explore other options.
At STPT, we believe that office printing equipment should be the least of your concerns during your daily business operations. However, for your company to reach that point, you need to have the right machine in place.
If you’ve read through this and think the AltaLink C8255 is suitable for you, or if you need help finding the right print solution, feel free to reach out to us. We will guide you toward your ideal machine. You can also browse through our catalog, filter for specifications like print speed, and add optional accessories with our product configurator tool.
