The importance of buying the right printer/copier for your business cannot be overstated.
For many businesses, their office printer is the central hub of their daily operations. And buying the wrong one can come with serious financial consequences.
Our goal as a print vendor is to use our almost 40 years of expertise and our status as a platinum partner of Xerox to give you all the information you need to know about their machines so you can decide for yourself which one might be right for you.
What we’re not going to do, however, is lie to you. We are reviewing a product we sell, which may make our intentions with this blog questionable.
But that’s exactly why we call it out. We believe in open and honest dialogue that is transparent and to the point.
So, we can tell you that the review model today, the Xerox VersaLink C405, will not be a fit for everybody, nor is Xerox going to be the best printer brand for everyone.
That’s up to you to decide. All we want to do is give you access to the right information, so your decision is an informed one.
With that out of the way, let’s dive into the review, which will include the VersaLink’s C405’s basic specifications, features, accessories, pros, cons and cost before wrapping it up with who would and wouldn’t be a good fit for the machine.
Note: The Xerox VersaLink C415 is the newest version of the Xerox VersaLink C405.
Xerox VersaLink C405 Basics
Here are some general statistics and information about the VersaLink C405 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 80,000 pages
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 8,500 pages
Print Resolution: 600 x 600 x 8 dpi (dots per inch)
First-Print-Out-Time: As fast as 13 seconds color/12 seconds black-and-white
First-Copy-Out-Time: As fast as 11 seconds color/8 seconds black-and-white
Base Model Dimensions: 17” x 21.3” x 23.6”
Base Model Weight: 72 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $1,099
For a look at the base model of the VersaLink C405, see the picture below:
Xerox VersaLink C405 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 VersaLink C405:
Touchscreen Interface and Xerox App Gallery
The Xerox VersaLink C405 contains a customizable, seven-inch tablet-like color touchscreen that allows you to complete printing tasks simply and effectively.
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:
The Xerox App Gallery contains several industry-specific and general applications that can help increase overall 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, gives you the ability to convert hard-copy records into accessible cloud-based documents and allows you to control your printer from your smartphone.
Printer Security
The VersaLink C405 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 security measures involve a comprehensive Firmware Verification test upon printer activation, and further security enhancements by Xerox’s partnership with Cisco, a tech company that offers security solutions.
Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE), which can “auto-detect Xerox devices on the network and classify them as printers for security policy implementation and compliance,” according to Xerox.
In a study conducted by Quocirca this year, 68% of those surveyed reported 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:
Xerox VersaLink C405 Accessories and Upgrades
Let’s take a look at some of the standard accessories and different configuration and finishing options that will allow you to customize and upgrade your machine in ways that best optimize your business needs:
Standard Accessories
Here are the accessories that come standard with the VersaLink C405:
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A 50-sheet Single-pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF) that scans two-sided original prints for copy, scan and fax jobs.
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Card Reader Bay with embedded USB port.
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An front-side USB port that’ll allow you to print or scan from any standard USB memory device.
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A 250-sheet output tray with a tray-full sensor.
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A 150-sheet Bypass Tray that’ll handle media sizes from 3 x 5 in to 8.5 x 14 in/76 x 127 mm to 216 x 356 mm.
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A 550-sheet paper tray with a standard paper capacity of 700 sheets (including Bypass Tray).
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A 550-sheet tray that increases total paper capacity to 1,250 sheets.
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A stand that provides storage for toner cartridges, paper and other supplies.
Optional Accessories
Now, let’s look at some of the additional accessories you can have included with your machine upon purchase:
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A 550-sheet tray that increases total paper capacity to 1,250 sheets.
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A stand that provides storage for toner cartridges, paper and other supplies.
Depending on the accessories you choose, the weight and dimensions of the printer will vary, as will the price. You should always consult your print provider to make sure the additional upgrades you want to include are worth the investment.
Here’s a look at what the VersaLink C405 could look like with additional upgrades (via Absolute Toner):
2 Pros of the Xerox VersaLink C405
Next, let’s look at some of the pros of the VersaLink C405:
1. All-In-One Color Printing Solution
The VersaLink C405 is a color multifunction printer, which means you’re getting a machine that not only has print capabilities but also can act as your scanner, fax machine and copier, as well.
The major advantage to purchasing a multifunction printer is you get all the basic office 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:
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Built to Last
In addition to a large printing capacity, the VersaLink C405 is durable and built to act as a permanent solution for your workplace as long you follow its 8,500-page recommended monthly print volume.
Following a printer’s recommended monthly print volume is crucial, as consistently overusing the machine past its recommended volume will result in more service issues and a shorter lifespan.
Read our blog on the importance of print volume to learn more.
2 Cons of the Xerox VersaLink C405
Let’s now go through some of the cons of the VersaLink C405:
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Not an Option for Large Workgroups
While the VersaLink C405 can meet the print volume of small-to-medium-sized workgroups (2-10 daily users) it’s not built to withstand the workload required to satisfy large businesses’ printing needs.
With a recommended monthly print volume of 8,500 pages, the VersaLink C405 wouldn’t be an option for large school districts, hospitals or offices that print or copy over 8,500 pages per month.
If you’re a large workgroup and are wanting a more robust color multifunction printer, you would want to look into one of the three options in the AltaLink C8100 Series.
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Incapable of Printing Certain Sizes
The VersaLink C405 does not have the capability to print 11 x 17 prints (tabloid), or anything larger than 8 ½ x 14 in, which is standard legal-sized paper.
If you need a printer that can print larger prints, then this is not the printer model for you. The machines in the AltaLink C8100 Series mentioned in the previous section would be a better fit if you need to make bigger prints.
Xerox VersaLink C405 Cost
As listed previously, the base cost of the VersaLink C405 is around $1,099. This doesn’t include optional upgrades or maintenance plans that you may want to include upon purchase of your machine.
While you will still be able to execute wireless printing as long as the printer is connected to your network, you may want to purchase a separate Wireless Connectivity Kit to set up WIFI on the VersaLink C405 if you don’t have adequate network drops in your office.
It’s also handy if you need to move the printer around the office to ensure you will be able to print wirelessly. You can purchase the WIFI accessory for around $50.
Some vendors may offer trade-ins and there’s also the option to lease your printer, rather than purchase it outright. Leasing a printer breaks down the total price into more affordable monthly payments. For more information on the cost of a printer and how you can pay for it, read these blogs:
Who Is the Xerox VersaLink C405 a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C405 is a good fit for:
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Small-to-medium-sized businesses that need a color multifunction printer that can efficiently print around 8,500 pages per month.
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Those looking to purchase an efficient printer with advanced technological features, a touchscreen user interface, applications and comprehensive security features.
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Those looking to make a long-term printing investment for their workplace.
If you fall into one of these categories, then the VersaLink C405 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 VersaLink C405 Not a Good Fit for?
The VersaLink C405 is not a good fit for:
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Those searching for a single-function (print only) printer.
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Businesses that need a black-and-white printer only.
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Workgroups with a monthly print volume of over 8,500 pages.
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 VersaLink C405 Is Right for You?
The VersaLink C405 is a quality option to serve workplaces of up to 2-10 daily users that need a color multifunction printer equipped with advanced features like a modernized touchscreen and applications.
However, the VersaLink C405 is not a fit for workgroups that print over 8,500 pages, offices that need to print in black-and-white only, or those that need a single-function printer for their workspace.
Our time in the printer/copier industry has afforded us the knowledge that can help you get the most out of your office printing equipment, no matter what your situation is.
If you think the VersaLink C405 is right for you, or need help determining which office printer to go with, reach out to us and we will guide you to your ideal solution, even if it’s not with us.
