The Xerox C230 could be a fit for you if you’re a small-to-medium-sized business or need a printer for your home office.
Before deciding whether it’s the right fit for you, though, you must first educate yourself about the features, pros, cons and cost of the machine.
Even though the Xerox C230 is inexpensive compared to larger printers, you still need to make sure it will satisfy all your printing requirements before buying.
As a Xerox Platinum Status Partner, we are experts in their products—and as such, regularly make reviews of their machines.
That being said, we know Xerox is not the only reputable printer brand out there and they will not be a fit for everybody.
Rest assured that this review is being created using complete honesty and transparency, and after reading it, you should have a good idea of whether the Xerox C230 will be a fit for you.
Let’s first go over some basic specifications before diving into the key features of the machine:
Xerox C230 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the Xerox C230 to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 24 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 1,500 pages
Print Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch), 4800 image quality
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 11 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 16.2” x 15.5” x 9.6”
Base Model Weight: 35.5 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $400
For a look at the base model of the Xerox C230, see the picture below:
Xerox C230 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 C230:
Mobile Printing
The Xerox C230 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 C230’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 C230 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 C230’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 C230
Next, let’s look at some of the pros of the Xerox C230:
1. Small and Reasonably Priced
The major advantage of the Xerox C230 is it’s a small color printer that can serve as a desktop or home office solution for an affordable price.
Weighing about 36 pounds with dimensions of 16.2” x 15.5” x 9.6”, the Xerox C230 will be able to fit in compact spaces and won’t take up much room in your workplace.
The Xerox C230 is also a relatively cheap printer (around $400), 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 C230 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 1,500 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 C230
Let’s now go through some of the cons of the Xerox C230:
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the Xerox C230 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 C230 would not be able to safely print at the volume needed for businesses that print over its 1,500-page recommended monthly print volume.
If you’re a large workgroup and want a color printer option, you would want to look into machines like the Xerox VersaLink C600 or VersaLink C7000.
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Single-Function Printer Only
A notable downside to the Xerox C230 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 color multifunction printer of a similar size, the Xerox C235 maintains many of the same qualities as the C230 but can perform multiple functions in addition to printing.
Xerox C230 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the Xerox C230 is around $400. 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 C230 a Good Fit for?
The Xerox C230 is a good fit for:
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Small-to-medium-sized businesses or home offices that need a color printer that can efficiently print 1,500 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 C230 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 C230 Not a Good Fit for?
The Xerox C230 is not a good fit for:
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Workgroups with a monthly print volume of over 1,500 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 don’t 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 C230 Is Right for You?
The Xerox C230 is a solid option for businesses or individuals that need a basic color printer to handle their office printing requirements.
However, the Xerox C230 will not be a fit for workgroups that print over 1,500 pages per month or for offices that need an all-in-one printer that can print, copy, scan and fax.
We believe here at STPT that your printer should be the least of your worries in the workplace. The last thing you need to deal with at work is a faulty or inadequate printer.
If you think the Xerox C230 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.
