A printer in an office is about as common as a computer, stapler or folder.
They are one of the foundational elements of any traditional work setting, which means, just like your computer, you need to get the right one in place to ensure optimal efficiency.
The Xerox C310, the printer we will be reviewing today, could be a fit for you if you’re a small-to-medium-sized workgroup that needs a machine that can handle a workload of up to 6,000 pages per month.
But you won’t know for sure until you properly educate yourself on everything you need to know about the machine.
We live and breathe Xerox products here at STPT and have frequented the printer/copier industry for almost 40 years now.
During that time, we’ve learned more than a few things, but perhaps none more important than how critical education is in the buying process.
As such, we regularly put together unbiased and comprehensive reviews of Xerox products, so you don’t have to go any further than this page to find out if a specific machine is right for you.
Because ultimately, it’s your choice to make when it comes to buying your next office printer. We just want to be the messengers that you can trust to give you the right information to base your decision on.
Let’s start with the Xerox C310’s basic specifications before diving into its features, pros, cons and cost and who would and wouldn’t be a fit for the machine.
Xerox C310 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the Xerox C310 to help you get a feel for its print speed, volume, resolution, size and cost:
Print Speed: Up to 35 pages per minute (ppm)
Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 80,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 6,000 pages
Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch), 4800 image quality
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 6.7 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 12.1” x 17.4” x 16.6”
Base Model Weight: 46 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $600
For a look at the base model dimensions of the Xerox C310, see the picture below (courtesy of Xerox):
Xerox C310 Key Features
Now that we’ve gone over the machine’s basic specifications, let’s look at some of the notable features that come with the Xerox C310:
Mobile Printing
The Xerox C310 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 C310’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 C310 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 C310’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.
Because of heightened security concerns, 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 C310
Let’s now switch gears and look at some of the pros of buying the Xerox C310:
1. Small and Reasonably Priced
The major advantage of the Xerox C310 is it’s a small color printer that can serve as a desktop or home office solution for an affordable price.
Weighing about 46 pounds with dimensions of 12.1” x 17.4” x 16.6,” the Xerox C310 will be able to fit in compact spaces and won’t take up much room in your workplace.
Considering printers can run into the thousand-dollar range, the Xerox C310 is a relatively cheap printer (around $600), 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 a fairly inexpensive and mobile option, the Xerox C310 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 6,000 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 C310
Now that we’ve gone through the pros, let’s now go through some of the cons of the Xerox C310:
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the Xerox C310 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 C310 would not be able to safely print at the volume needed for businesses that print over its 6,000-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 C310 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 C315 maintains many of the same qualities as the C310 but can perform multiple functions in addition to printing.
Xerox C310 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the Xerox C310 is around $600. 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 C310 a Good Fit for?
The Xerox C310 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 6,000 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 C310 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 C310 Not a Good Fit for?
The Xerox C310 is not a good fit for:
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Workgroups with a monthly print volume of over 6,000 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 C310 Is Right for You?
Now that you’ve read through the review, is the Xerox C310 right for you?
Take the points in the previous sections and assess your situation: Do you need a printer to just print documents for your business? If so, do you need it to handle a monthly print volume of around 6,000 pages per month?
If so, the Xerox C310 will likely be a good fit for you. If not, go through the options we listed throughout the article as alternatives and see if those machines might better meet your printing needs.
Whatever solution is best for you, we want to be there to help. Our goal is to make everybody’s print environment the least of their worries in the workplace.
If you think the Xerox C310 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.
