So, you’re in the market for a new basic printer, which beckons the question: “Does it really matter which one I get?”
When you’re talking about a simple, print-only machine, you’re not going to be paying much money for it.
For example, the Xerox B230, which we will be reviewing today, starts at around $210. For most people, that will not be a heavy cost to endure.
So, if cost is not a significant factor, then what is? Why should you care what brand of machine you get when the cost is more or less the same?
If you’re like most businesses, you want to get the most efficient office equipment possible to speed up your daily operations. Furthermore, you want to get a machine that can safely handle the amount you need to use it.
Forgoing these crucial details could result in wasting money on an inadequate machine, which adds more stress to your day than you needed.
As a local office supplier for over 35 years, we’ve gained almost four decades worth of industry insight that we aim to share with you honestly and transparently so you can make the best purchase possible, whether it be for your business or personal use.
Because we sell Xerox machines, we maintain unique expertise in their products and can provide you with a thorough review, so you’re not left guessing when you make that final purchasing decision.
Honesty drives our content-making process, so although we are reviewing a machine that we sell, we can tell you upfront that this machine will not be for everybody.
And because the Xerox B230 is a basic office printer, there will be plenty of printer brands that can satisfy your requirements in an office machine, and you should look at all your options before deciding on which brand to go with.
But since we want to stick to where our expertise lies, let’s get into the review of the Xerox B230, which will include its basic specifications, features, and pros and cons before wrapping it up with who would and wouldn’t be a good fit for the machine.
Xerox B230 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the Xerox B230 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 2,500 pages
Print Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch), 1200 image quality
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 6.8 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 14” x 13.2” x 8.5”
Base Model Weight: 15 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $210
For a look at the base model of the Xerox B230, see the picture below:
Xerox B230 Key Features
Now that we’ve gone over the machine’s basic specifications, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the Xerox B230:
Mobile Printing
The Xerox B230 is built with Wi-Fi connectivity and contains applications that will allow you to print and scan from mobile devices, laptops, tablets, Chromebooks or desktops.
Some of the applications that you can use to print from are Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Mopria Scan and Wi-Fi Direct.
Read our blog on how to print from your phone to learn more about mobile printing and how to do it.
Access to Xerox Workflow Central
One of the Xerox B230’s defining features is its ability to access the Xerox Workflow Central platform, which can serve multiple purposes with the goal of streamlining workflows and document processes.
Some of Xerox Workflow Central’s features include (courtesy of Xerox):
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Convert your documents into other languages
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Change handwritten notes into shareable, editable documents
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Create audio files of your reports to listen to whenever desired
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Automatically redact content for confidentiality
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Convert scans into Microsoft Office formats
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Summarize long documents for quicker reading
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Access to combination workflows and file routing to cloud repositories
You can download the Xerox Workflow Central platform from the Xerox App Gallery and there is a free trial period you can opt into to try it out.
The cost of the app will depend on which subscription you choose, with the Starter package starting at $9.99 a month and the Advanced package starting at $11.99 a month.
See the image below for descriptions of what you get in each package:
Printer Security
The Xerox B230 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 Xerox B230’s security features include Confidential Print, Digitally Signed Firmware Updates, Login Restrictions and Protected USB Ports, among others.
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.
It’s helpful to inform yourself of the security measures that companies are taking before making a purchasing decision. To learn more about printer security, read these blogs:
2 Pros of the Xerox B230
Next, let’s look at some of the pros of the Xerox B230:
1. Small and Reasonably Priced
The major advantage of the Xerox B230 is it’s a small printer that can serve as a desktop or home office solution for an affordable price.
Weighing only 15 pounds with dimensions of 14” x 13.2” x 8.5”, the Xerox B230 will be able to fit in compact spaces and won’t take up much room in your workplace.
The Xerox B230 is also a relatively cheap printer (around $210), meaning it’s a financially accessible option for those who are looking for a basic printer on a budget.
2. Permanent Solution for Small Workgroups
In addition to being an inexpensive and mobile option, the Xerox B230 is also built to act as a permanent printing solution for small or home offices.
You can expect the machine to last for a long time if you follow the recommended monthly print volume of 2,500 pages. That last point is crucial, as consistently overusing the machine past its recommended volume could 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 B230
Let’s now go through some of the cons of the Xerox B230:
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the Xerox B230 can meet the print volume of small workgroups it’s not built to withstand the workload required to satisfy large businesses’ printing needs.
The Xerox B230 would not be able to safely print at the volume needed for businesses that print over its 2,500-page recommended monthly print volume.
If you’re a large workgroup and want a black-and-white multifunction printer option, you would want to look into machines like the Xerox VersaLink B405, B605 or B7135.
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Single-Function Printer Only
A notable downside to the Xerox B230 is that it’s a single-function machine, which means it can only print and can’t copy, scan or fax.
If you need a black-and-white multifunction printer of a similar size, the Xerox B225 and Xerox B235 maintain many of the same qualities as the B230 but can perform multiple functions in addition to printing.
Xerox B230 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the Xerox B230 is around $210. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
Read our blog on how much a printer costs to see the total cost of owning a printer, including after you’ve purchased the machine.
Who Is the Xerox B230 a Good Fit for?
The Xerox B230 is a good fit for:
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Small businesses or home offices that need a black-and-white printer that can efficiently print 2,500 pages a month.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient office printer that allows for mobile printing and access to features such as the Xerox Workflow Central platform.
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Those looking for a secure device with features that help prevent network intrusions or security breaches.
If you fall into one of these categories, then the Xerox B230 could be for you. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox B230 Not a Good Fit for?
The Xerox B230 is not a good fit for:
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Workgroups with a monthly print volume of over 2,500 pages.
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Those searching for a multifunction printer or a more robust printing solution.
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Businesses or individuals that require a machine with color printing capability.
If you fall into one of these categories, then this is not the printer for you. Read our blog about how to choose a printer for your budget and business needs to help with choosing the right model for you.
Think the Xerox B230 Is Right for You?
The Xerox B230 would be a suitable fit for small workgroups or home offices that need a single-function printer that can efficiently print around 2,500 pages per month.
However, the Xerox B230 will not be a fit for workgroups that print over 2,500 pages per month or for offices that need to print in color. If you need an all-in-one printer that can print, copy, scan and fax, you will also not be a fit for the machine.
Even when you’re dealing with machines that are generally inexpensive, you want to make sure you get the correct one so you’re not dealing with any kind of stress from it.
We have been a trusted partner for thousands of clients across the North Central Texas area, and we can be one for you, as well.
If you think the Xerox B230 is right for you, or still need help in determining which machine to go with, reach out to us and we will find the solution for you, even if it’s not with us.
