Xerox VersaLink C7130 vs Xerox AltaLink C8130

What’s the difference between the VersaLink C7130 and ALtaLink C8130?

We often get asked why Xerox has two full-size office A3 Colour Multi-Function Copier Printers that are both capable of printing at 30 pages per minute, what’s the point?

At first glance, there is quite a bit of overlap between 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, and Booklet Makers.

Xerox Versalink Versus Xerox AltaLink range

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

The VersaLink series is Xerox’s entry-level A3 Copier Printer range, The AltaLink series is Xerox’s Mid-Level to Upper-Level A3 Copier Printer Range.

There are three VersaLink models, C7120, C7125 and C7130. The last two digits denote how fast the print speed is, everything else about them is the same. See our blog on how to choose the right model of VersaLink – Compare all Xerox VersaLink models here

There are five models in the AltaLink Series, C8130, C8135, C8145, C8155, and C8170. As with the VersaLink range, the last two digits of the AltaLink series denote 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 Copier Printer Copier range. The C7130 sits at the top of this range, whereas the C8130 is the entry-level model in the Xerox AltaLink range. So you can see where these two models overlap.

If you don’t have time to read through, jump straight to our Xerox C7130 vs C8130 comparison table below or skip to the summary below that.

Here’s a quick list of the things that are the same on the VersaLink C7130 and AltaLink C8130

Speed – 30 pages per minute

Document Feeder – 130 sheet single pass duplex

Print resolution – 1,200 x 2,400 D.P.I.

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 capability of over 70%. This can partly be explained by the much higher drum life of the AltaLink C8130, but there are many more factors at play.

Something that isn’t always apparent is the speed at which the functions of the printer 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 with a more powerful processor, 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

The VersaLink has a 7 inch screen touch screen (top of picture).

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, or 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 genuine 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 adjustments 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 Print driver

Paper Weights and Types – capabilities

The AltaLink Series has a much more robust paper feeding capability than the VersaLink Series. The AltaLink can print on to SRA3, which is essential if you want to print edge to edge (although you’ll still need to trim off the excess). The AltaLink can also print on to banner sheets up to 1,320MM long. Banners are great for wall displays and exhibition posters.

The AltaLink can print on paper weights from 52GSm to 300GSM through all trays, not only the bypass. Whereas the range of the VersaLink is much narrower at 60GSm to 256GSM.

If you need to print on a specialised stock, the AltaLink is the better option.

Hardware

The AltaLink C8130 comes with 4 x 520 sheets as standard. We will compare this model to the VersaLink C7130V_T which is the closest match the to C8130 as it comes with 4 x 520 sheet paper drawers as standard. The base model C7130V_S however only has 2 x 520 sheet paper drawers.

The VersaLink C7130V_T 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 Printer 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 C7130DN. 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. You can find our review of the Xerox VersaLink C7130 here.

Xerox VersaLink C7130 vs AltaLink C8130

Comparison Table

VersaLink Vs AltaLink Comparison Summary

The VersaLink and AltaLink ranges are both excellent in their own right. In our opinion, the distinction is quite difficult and choosing which one is right for you isn’t easy. When would we advise choosing the AltaLink over the VersaLink? Primarily on the following factors;

Print and copy volume; if you’re printing or copying consistently more than 5,000 pages per month choose the AltaLink – it can handle a higher volume of work.

Quality and type of work; if you are in graphic design, architecture, building or another technical field choose the AltaLink because it’s built from the ground up with genuine Adobe® PostScript® 3™ as well as the option to add a Fiery Print Controller

Workgroup size: if you are a team of more than 10 workers who are frequently printing, copying and scanning choose the AltaLink due to the faster processing and volume capabilities

High-quality presentations / printing pitch decks; choose the AltaLink as it can be equipped with a heavy-duty booklet maker finisher. The AltaLink can also print on to SRA3-size paper, which means that your booklets can be trimmed down to A3 for professional edge-to-edge printing.

About the Author

Grant Wassell has been working in the print and document management field for over 30 years. He is acknowledged as an industry expert.

Scriptum Document Solutions 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.

Call us on 0800 011 2858

interface@scriptumds.co.uk