IT Pro Verdict
The Xerox VersaLink C405DN has it all; it combines a wealth of features and print security with great output quality and speed. The ConnectKey apps and clever operator panel are the clinchers, turning this affordable multifunction laser into one of the most versatile on the market.
Pros
- +
Great range of apps; Easy setup; Outstanding security; Good print quality and speed
Cons
- -
Slightly noisy; Standard refill cartridges aren’t great value
Xerox's VersaLink family has long been a favourite among those busy workgroups that demand a complete multifunction printing powerhouse fitted with every feature going - and the VersaLink C405DN is no different.
The biggest selling point of this range is the ConnectKey technology powering each machine, which enables the C405DN to run a range of business applications, all of which are managed through a generously sized 5in colour touchscreen.
The C405DN comes with all the things you'd expect, and a bunch of features that might surprise you. Alongside the print, scan, copy and fax functions, it also boasts USB 3, Gigabit and NFC connectivity as standard, as well as a 50-page duplex ADF (DADF) above the colour flatbed scanner. You can also add 11n wireless services using a snap-in dongle costing 47, and a 230 Productivity Kit offers an encrypted hard disk with an immediate overwrite feature for securely destroying sensitive files once printed.
Brother X-Series MFC-J6945DW review: Unbeatable value Best printers 2021: For all your printing, scanning and copying needs Xerox VersaLink C600DN
Installation is also made simple thanks to that colour touchscreen, which runs a wizard to set the date and establish security controls and LDAP services. It's also possible to preconfigure an SMTP server for scans to email, as well as default SMB and FTP network scan locations, which is a lovely touch.
The touchscreen takes inspiration from mobile operating systems, presenting each app in the form of simple icons for one-tap access. A bunch of apps come bundled with the C405DN that handle printer settings, job status and printing using USB, but also ones for Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive.
If you want some extra functionality, you can easily add some other apps using the App Gallery icon. From here you can log in to your free account to access the app store, or you can use a browser and install apps remotely over the network. Many of the store's apps are free to download, and the 2GB of onboard RAM means there's plenty of room for more.
Some must-haves include those free apps that bring Office365 integration and scanning to network locations, as well as @PrintByXerox, an app that prints attachments emailed to the printer. This is similar to the service offered by HP's Connected app, but is far more secure as each user is required to login in order to release any sent email, rather than it just being printed automatically.
The C405DN will please businesses worried about security, too. The web console allows guest permissions to be set while users can be forced to log in at the panel to access apps that their assigned role permits. The printer driver keeps up the good work as it offers passcode protection and a Personal Print job type for secure print and hold services.
The printer is supplied with 3,000-page K and 2,000-page C, Y and M starter cartridges and on your first refill, avoid the standard versions as these put running costs through the ceiling. Go for the extra high yield cartridges, which drop overall costs down to 1.7p and 8p for mono and colour pages.
The C405DN delivers on its speed claims with our 35-page Word test document produced in 60 seconds at both standard and enhanced resolutions. It was the same story with our complex 24-page colour DTP document which was also printed at 35ppm at both resolutions.
Duplexing the 35-page test print returned an equally speedy 24ppm. Using the scanner's DADF to copy 10 pages saw single-sided and duplex-to-duplex copies panning out at 14ppm and 8ppm while peak noise levels at one metre reached 66dB -- noisy but not excessive.
Text quality is pin sharp even down to 6pt fonts on 75gsm paper while mono photos reveal plenty of detail in darker areas - although there's little difference between the standard and enhanced resolutions. Our colour chart revealed smooth transitions between complex fades and combining these with sharp detail, bright toner and the lack of banding produces eye-catching colour photos and marketing reports.
The VersaLink C405DN looks to have it all; it combines a wealth of features and print security with great output quality and speed. The ConnectKey apps and clever operator panel are the clinchers, turning this affordable multifunction laser into one of the most versatile on the market.
Verdict
The Xerox VersaLink C405DN has it all; it combines a wealth of features and print security with great output quality and speed. The ConnectKey apps and clever operator panel are the clinchers, turning this affordable multifunction laser into one of the most versatile on the market.
600dpi A4 colour LED MFP
600dpi duplex colour scanner
1.05GHz dual-core CPU
2GB RAM
35ppm A4 mono/colour
5in colour touchscreen
USB 3
Gigabit
NFC
33.6Kb/sec fax/modem
Duplex
550-sheet paper tray
50-sheet DADF
150-sheet bypass tray
rec. monthly duty cycle, 5,000 pages
432 x 540 x 599mm (WDH)
33kg
Lifetime on-site warranty (with yearly toner purchase)
Options: 11n wireless, £47 ex VAT
RUNNING COSTS
Extra High Toner: K (10.5K pages), £126
C, Y, M (8K pages), £168 each
imaging unit (60K pages), £228
waste cartridge (30K pages), £21 (all exc VAT)
Overall cost per A4 page:
mono, 1.7p
colour, 8p
