What’s the difference between the Xerox VersaLink C7130 and Xerox AltaLink C8130

We often get asked why Xerox have two full size office A3 Colour Multi-Function Printers that print at 30 pages per minute, what’s the point?

At first glance, there is quite a bit of overlap on the models, both can print, copy and scan A3 in colour. Both can be fitted with a range of accessories, such as multiple Paper Drawers, Staplers, Booklet Makers.

Xerox have two ranges of A3 Multi-Function Printers, the Xerox VersaLink and the Xerox AltLink series.

There are three models in the VersaLink series, C7120, C7125 and C7130. The last two digits denote how fast the print speed is, everything else about them is the same.

The are five models in the AltaLink Series, C8130, C8135, C8145, C8155, C8170. As with the VersaLink range, the last two digits of the AltaLink series determines the A4 print speed. The models across the range are essentially the same, however the C8145, C8155 and C8170 come with the higher capacity paper deck cabinet as standard, whereas this is optional on the C8130 and C8135.

The Xerox VersaLink C7100 series is Xerox’s entry level A3 multi-Function range. The C7130 sits at the top of this range and borders on the bottom of the AltaLink Series.

The Xerox AltaLink C8130 is the entry level model in the Xerox AltaLink C8100 range. The AltaLink range goes all the way through to the 70 page per minute C8170 at the top end.

So you can see where these two models overlap.

Here are three things that are the same on the VersaLink C7130 and AltaLink C8130

1. Document Feeder – 130 sheet single pass duplex
2. Print resolution – 1,200 x 2,400 D.P.I.
3. ByPass paper feed - 100 sheets

Let’s get in to the big key differences between the VersaLink C7130 and AltaLink C8130.

Xerox VersaLink C7130 Vs AltaLink C8130 Monthly Volume Capability

The VersaLink C7130 is recommended for up to 7,000 prints per month, whereas the AltaLink C8130 is capable of handling up to 12,000 prints per month, a significantly higher volume increase of over 70%. This can partly be explained by the much higher drum life of the AltaLink C8130, but there are manyu more factors at play.

Something that isn’t always apparent is the speed at which the printers functions are accessed and the ability of the machine to process multiple tasks simultaneously. It’s the same as when you have an old generation mobile phone and you get a new one, you notice how fast and how slick everything works.

VersaLink C7130 Vs AltaLink C8130Processor Size

The VersaLink C7130 has an unbranded 1.05 GHz Dual Core, with 4GB of system memory.

The AltaLink C8130 has an Intel Atom® Quad Core 1.91 GHz processor with 4GB of system memory. This higher performance chip set means that when the AltaLink is carrying out multiple tasks, it does so at lightning speed.

VersaLink C7130 Vs C8130 Touch Screen Size

TOP: The VersaLink has a 7 inch screen touch screen.

BELOW: The Xerox AltaLink has a much larger 10.1 inch tablet like screen, making it easier for an AltaLink user to navigate through the features and functions.

Printing Adobe® PostScript® 3™ Files

An often overlooked requirement is the ability to print PostScript files accurately.

If you are working with any Adobe suite products such as InDesign, Illustrator, or an engineering design software program such as AutoCAD, you will need an accurate PostScript printer. There’s nothing worse than printing drawings that have errors and expecting technicians to work from them.

Whilst most manufacturers include their own emulation of PostScript which are great for printing normal PDF’s, these imitations are just not good enough when the stakes are high.

The AltaLink Series has Adobe® PostScript® 3™ as standard and built in to the design from the ground up, making it the de facto choice of printer for Architects, Designers and Technicians.

Adobe® PostScript® 3™ is optional on the VersaLink Series.

The Postscript driver also offers a wider range of adjustment and many more options than the PCL driver.

Finally, if you are a Mac user, you’ll need PostScript. Otherwise you’ll be left with the extremely basic Apple Air Print driver

Hardware

For the purposes of this comparison we are benchmarking the C713V_S which has 2 x 520 sheet paper drawers. The AltaLink C8130 comes with 4 x 520 sheets as standard. The AltaLink Series also comes with Adobe® PostScript® 3™ as standard. The VersaLink C713V_T is the closest match the to C8130 as it comes with 4 x 520 sheet paper drawers as standard.

The VersaLink with 4 cassettes weighs in at a hefty 91KG, however the AltaLink comes in at a whopping 143KG, giving an indication of the heavy duty chassis and build. Neither of these machines are easy to manoeuvre, so we recommend our Advanced Installation Service

Many of the optional hardware items are available to both ranges.

There is also a very basic model in the VersaLink C7100 range that has only a single cassette C7130V_D / C7130VD. This basic model is referred to as the “desktop” model, but we prefer to use the handle “Defeatured”.

This Defeatured version comes without hard drive and has only a single 520 sheet paper cassette. So you’ll need a cabinet to stand it on. We think it is a little too high to stand on a regular desk, especially if you and your colleagues stand 5’8” or less.

Scriptum are printer industry experts and are a Xerox Authorised Technology Partner. Our leadership team has decades of experience, so we can tell you almost anything you need to know about printing, copying and scanning in the office. This is especially true for Xerox products because we sell them and it is our responsibility to be fully informed about Xerox equipment.

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