IT Pro Verdict
There's much to like about the WorkCentre 6605. It's got the perfect feature set for the job, is easy to use, makes excellent scans and copies and is quick to print regular text documents. Unfortunately it's less sprightly when it comes to printing graphics, and we weren't able to get its scanner to work over the network. Moreover its running costs, while not unreasonable, aren't especially attractive. It's a decent MFP for smaller firms, but it's hard to recommend unreservedly.
A small firm, branch office or workgroup may not need to print or scan in great volumes, but there's every chance that they'll need a full range of document processing capabilities. With that in mind, Xerox's new WorkCentre 6605 sounds ideal. It's a compact A4 colour laser multifunction combining print, scan, copy, fax and email functions into a device with a footprint no larger than a typical single-function printer.
There are two versions of this WorkCentre model; the 6605DN reviewed here handles double-sided (duplex) prints, scans, copies and faxes, whereas the cheaper 6605N has a duplex scanner but makes do without duplex printing or copying. Both have wired Gigabit Ethernet interfaces as standard, while options include a wireless adaptor or a second 550-sheet paper input tray. There are no other upgrades such as feeders, finishers or hard disks available.
If this sounds somewhat limiting, it's quite reasonable given the MFP's modest price; it's aimed at small offices, and here the duplex model already has the kind of features that matter, including speedy 35ppm printing, a 550-sheet primary paper tray and various walk-up functions accessed through a large colour touchscreen. While Xerox expects that the 6605 will experience a typical monthly load of around 1,500 pages, it's designed for a maximum 80,000, which ought to see it cope with the peak demands of a small business.
