So, you are looking for a new printer and want to inform yourself of a particular model to see whether it’s the right fit for you.
You probably don’t have the time to research the tedious specifications that come with the exploration phase of investing in a new printer, and you just want an objective review that covers the most pressing questions you have about the product.
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Here at Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we’ve learned a thing or two about specific printer models in our over 35 years as a locally managed print vendor.
We work with businesses and individuals alike to find the printing solution that most aligns with their unique goals, no matter what they are.
Because we exclusively sell Xerox machines, we’ve gained a vast understanding of their products and can provide you with an expert-driven review that’s filled with the information you need to know to make an informed purchasing decision.
Today we will be taking a thorough look at the Xerox VersaLink B605 multifunction printer, going over specifications, features, upgrades, cost and pros and cons to help you determine whether this model would be a good fit for you.
At STPT, we also believe in calling out the elephant in the room. Because we sell Xerox products, you might believe that this review will be skewed to favor the product we sell, ignoring any product liabilities in the process.
While a traditional vendor might associate with that thinking, we don’t; we believe in full transparency and honesty in both our content-making process and our selling process.
Because, at the end of the day, the most important party in the buyer-seller process is you, and we’re not going to promise that the VersaLink B605 is right for you, because there’s a chance that it won’t be, and that’s okay.
What we can promise is that this review will be accurate and created with you, the customer, fully in mind.
Note: The Xerox VersaLink B625 is the newest version of the Xerox VersaLink B605.
Xerox VersaLink B605 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information to help you get a feel for print speed, volume, resolution and cost:
One-Sided Print Speed: Up to 58 ppm (pages per minute)
Two-Sided Speed: Up to 52.2 ppm
Recommended Average Monthly Print Volume: Up to 25,000 pages
Duty Cycle: Up to 300,000 pages/month
Print Memory: 2 GB standard
Maximum Print Resolution: 1200 X 1200 dpi (dots per inch)
First-Page-Out Time Printing: As fast as 4.0 seconds
Base Model Dimensions: 18.5" x 19.8" x 25.3"
Base Model Weight: 67.2 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $2,399
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink B605 base model, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink B605 Key Features
Now, let’s look at some of the key features that come with the VersaLink B605 printer.
Touchscreen Interface and App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink B605 multifunction printer (MFP) contains a customizable, seven-inch tablet-like touchscreen that allows you a simple and effective way to complete printing tasks.
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:
- @PrintByXerox, which is a free app that can be used as a medium to print from your mobile device. To do this, you send an email with an attachment of the documents you need to print to the Print@PrintByXerox.com address. You will then receive a code you can use on any machine that is ConnectKey-enabled and has the @PrintByXerox app downloaded on it.
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Quick Link, which is a free application that lets you connect the printer to your computer or mobile device through an email or QR code scan.
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Clean Hands Reminder, another free application that displays a hygienic reminder when the device is inactive.
The Xerox App Gallery contains several applications that can aid in 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, allows you to convert hard-copy records into accessible cloud-based documents and allows you to control your printer from your smartphone.
Printer Security
The VersaLink B605 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
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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 technological world where cybercrime has become prevalent, it’s helpful to inform yourself of the security measures that companies are taking before making a purchasing decision. To learn more about Xerox’s approach to cybersecurity, and how you can prevent a cyberattack or security breach, read these blogs:
Additional Configuration Options for Xerox VersaLink B605
Let’s take a look at the different configuration options that will allow you to customize and upgrade your machine in ways that best optimize your business needs:
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A 2,000-sheet high-capacity document feeder (includes caster base)
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Up to four 550-sheet document feeders.
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Finisher options (500 sheets, 50-sheet stapler)
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A four-bin mailbox (100 sheets per bin)
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Caster base
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Stand/Cabinet (includes stabilizers)
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Wireless network adapter (Wi-Fi kit)
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RFID Card Reader Kit
These are some of the optional accessories or upgrades for the VersaLink B605 that you can have included upon purchase.
Depending on the accessories you choose, the weight and dimensions of the printer will vary.
For a look at the dimensions of the VersaLink B605 with additional upgrades, see the picture below:
3 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink B605
To get a better feel for the advantages of purchasing the VersaLink B605, let’s look at some of the main pros associated with the machine.
1. Large Printing Capacity
With a recommended average monthly print volume of up to 25,000 pages and a duty cycle of up to 300,000 pages/month, the VersaLink B605 is built to handle a sizable printing capacity for workgroups of up to 20 users. To learn more about print volume and duty cycle, read these blogs:
2. Permanent Printing Solution
In addition to its capability of printing at a high volume, the VersaLink B605 is also built to act as a permanent printing solution for your workplace. Investing in a long-term printing solution will cost you more in the short term but save you more in the long run.
3. All-In-One Printing Solution
The benefit of investing in a multifunction printer is that you’re getting a machine that not only has print capabilities but also acts as your scanner, fax machine and copier. With an MFP, you get all these 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 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink B605
Now that we’ve covered some of the positives regarding the VersaLink B605, let’s go over some of the negatives that you need to consider before making a purchasing decision:
1. No Color Printing Capabilities
The main downside to the VersaLink B605 is it cannot print in color. If this is a requirement for you, then you would want to look into a color multifunction printer, such as the VersaLink C625.
Read our review blog about the VersaLink C625 for a more in-depth look at the model.
2. Separate Wireless Connectivity Kit
Another thing to keep in mind is you will need to buy a separate Wireless Connectivity Kit to set up WIFI for the VersaLink B605 model. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
Xerox VersaLink B605 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink B605 is around $2,399. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
While being a relatively affordable option compared to other multifunction printers, such as the AltaLink C8000 series, the VersaLink B605 is not an inexpensive option. Buying a multifunction printer will almost always be more expensive than buying a single-function printer.
Some vendors may offer trade-ins and there’s also the option to lease your printer, rather than purchase it outright. For more information on this, read these blogs:
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink B605 a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink B605 is a good fit for:
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Workgroups of 8 to 20 users.
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Small-to-medium sized businesses.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features.
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Those looking to make a long-term printing investment.
If you fall into one of these categories, then you would be a candidate for the VersaLink B605. However, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals with a business consultant before purchasing.
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink B605 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink B605 is not a good fit for:
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Businesses with a small office equipment budget (less than $2,000).
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Those searching for a single-function printer for personal use.
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Those who require color printing capabilities.
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.
Xerox VersaLink B605/S vs. Xerox VersaLink B605/X
There are two different types of modes in the VersaLink B605 series: the B605/S and the B605/X.
They contain the same basic features, but the B605/X includes the faxing function, as well as more document security enhancements, such as Secure Print and Secure Fax.
The base cost of the VersaLink B605/S is $2,399, while the base cost of the VersaLink B605/X is $2,999. This cost does not include tax, shipping, additional features, or a managed service contract that you may want to opt into upon purchase.
The exact cost of a printer will depend on several factors, such as what upgrades or accessories you might require and any applications you would want to invest in for your business.
Think the Xerox VersaLink B605 Is Right for You?
The Xerox VersaLink B605 is a quality multifunction printer that accomplishes the standard printing functions while including ConnectKey technology features to enhance your overall printing experience.
However, this machine is not for everyone. If you need a single-function printer or require color printing capabilities, then you would want to look elsewhere.
To best assess which machine is the right fit for your business goals, it’s important to consider the size of your workgroup, your estimated monthly print volume and your budget.
We take great pride in using our industry knowledge to create honest and transparent content that revolves around your need to be rightly informed in order to make a smart purchasing decision.
If you’re interested in the VersaLink B605 or have any additional questions, reach out to us and an experienced business consultant will be there to assist you.
