Printer Xerox WorkCentre M24 Review: Features, Specs, Performance
Overview & Positioning
The Xerox WorkCentre M24 is a color multifunction device (MFD) that delivers printing, copying, and scanning capabilities in one unit. Its design and performance target small to medium workgroups, such as departmental offices, branch locations, or small businesses that need reliable color output and multifunction workflow without investing in very high-end production equipment.
Introduced some time ago, the M24 balances functionality and cost — it is not a high-speed production printer, but it is robust enough for moderate color printing and document workflows. According to Xerox’s own spec sheet, it can handle up to ~10,000 pages per month.
Key Specifications & Features
Here are the main specifications and capabilities of the WorkCentre M24, based on manufacturer documentation and reliable sources.
Print / Copy
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Print speed: 24 ppm in black-and-white, 13 ppm in color.
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Copy speed: Same as print — 24 cpm (mono), 13 cpm (color).
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Print resolution: Up to 1,200 × 1,200 dpi for high-quality output.
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Copy resolution: 600 × 600 dpi with 256 levels of gray.
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First-copy-out time: Approximately 4.7 seconds (mono) and 10.4 seconds (color).
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Duplex (2-sided): Built-in (without using trays) for copy as per spec.
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Scaling / Productivity features: Includes 25–400% reduce/enlarge, job elaboration, pre-scan, repeat image, mixed-size originals, etc.
Scanning
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Scan speed: According to spec sheet, up to 32 ppm in black, 16 ppm in color.
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Scan resolution: 600 × 600 dpi, with other supported resolutions (400 × 400, 300 × 300, 200 × 200) per spec.
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Scan destinations: Network scan (to folder), e-mail, TWAIN-compatible applications.
File format: JPEG (JFIF) for color, as indicated by spec sheet.
Controller, Memory & Storage
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Controller / Processor: PowerPC 750, 400 MHz.
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Memory: Spec sheet shows “256 MB page memory / 512 MB system memory.”
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Hard Disk: Includes a 10 GB HDD for job storage, print queue, and possibly scan / secure print.
Connectivity
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Network: 10/100Base-T Ethernet (RJ-45) for shared use.
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Local: IEEE-1284 parallel interface also supported.
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Page Description Languages: PCL 5e / PCL 6 supported; Adobe PostScript 3 optional.
Paper Handling
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Standard input: According to spec sheet, there are options for multiple trays (main / optional) though base spec is modest.
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Paper size: Supports up to A3 (per one spec summary).
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Paper weight: 64–220 g/m² (per spec sheet), giving flexibility for different media types.
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Output capacity: According to third-party spec, the standard output is ~400 sheets.
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Optional Accessories: There are optional modules like additional trays, finishing (stapler), ADF (automatic document feeder), and a fax module.
Consumables & Supplies
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Uses EA (Emulsion Aggregation) toner, which offers good print quality and efficient performance.
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Toner cartridges: Color (C/M/Y) and black are replaceable; parts are designed to be user-replaceable (CRU type), minimizing downtime.
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Drum / Maintenance parts: User-replaceable modules such as drum, toner container, used toner bottle, etc.
Physical & Environmental
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Dimensions: According to spec sheet, very large machine (floor / large MFD) — installation dimensions are given, but these include optional modules, so foot-print depends on configuration.
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Operating Voltage: 220-240 V, typical for office copiers.
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Monthly Duty Cycle: According to some sources, can go up to ~80,000 pages/month.
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Warm-Up / Power: One article mentions an "always on" feature that reduces warm-up time.
Security & Software
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Has device management capabilities (CentreWare / web server) for remote monitoring of queue, toner, and alerts.
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Supports scan-to-folder, scan-to-email, and possibly secure print (depending on configuration).
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Optional fax module (in some markets) for full MFD functionality.
Performance & Real-World Use
Print Quality & Reliability
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The M24 produces good quality color and black output for general office documents, marketing flyers, or reports. With 1,200 × 1,200 dpi print resolution, text is sharp and color is reasonably smooth for graphics.
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With EA toner technology, the output is consistent and efficient — and the toner formulation is designed for low maintenance.
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The machine’s 400 MHz controller and substantial memory (plus HDD) means it can handle moderate graphic-heavy jobs without major slowdown.
Productivity & Throughput
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At 24 ppm mono and 13 ppm color, it’s not the fastest MFD on the market by today's standards, but for its class and target use, it's sufficient for many small to medium offices.
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The first-copy-out times (4.7s for black, 10.4s for color) are relatively quick, reducing wait times for small jobs.
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Duplex (2-sided) copying is supported, which helps save paper and supports more efficient, professional document workflows.
Scanning Efficiency
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The scan speed is quite decent (32 ppm mono / 16 ppm color), which supports moderate scanning workflows (document archiving, digitization) effectively.
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Network scanning (to email or folder) is supported, making it suitable for shared office scanning needs.
Serviceability & Cost of Ownership
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With user-replaceable CRU modules for toners and drums, maintenance is easier, minimizing downtime.
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The 10 GB hard drive supports job storage, secure printing, and document box, but long-term drive reliability should be considered, especially in heavy use environments.
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Cost per page can be optimized by using full-yield toners; however, color MFDs generally have higher running cost than mono printers, so usage should be planned.
Fit & Use in Business / Office Environments
Good Use Cases
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Small-to-medium business / workgroup: Ideal for a team of 5–20 people who need printing, scanning, and copying, including color capability.
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Office with mixed document needs: Useful in offices that produce proposals, marketing flyers, color forms, and standard text documents.
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Document-centric workflows: With scan-to-folder/email and duplex, it's quite good for document management, archiving and digitization.
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Floor MFD: Given its size and capacity, it is more suited as a shared workgroup machine rather than a desktop printer.
Where It May Be Less Ideal
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High-volume color production: If your business prints very large volumes of color graphics or production-level print (e.g., marketing materials), the M24 may be out-performed by modern production devices.
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Space-constrained offices: Because this is a larger floor device (especially with optional modules), it may not be suitable for tiny offices or desktops.
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Extreme energy-saving / “green” offices: Older MFDs like this may not be as energy-efficient as modern ones; power consumptions for older hardware can be higher.
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Legacy or end-of-life risk: As a relatively old model, finding parts (like HDD or CRUs) might become challenging; consider support and maintenance factors.
Pros & Cons — Summary
Pros:
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Full-color multifunction (print/scan/copy) in one device for a workgroup.
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Good quality output with 1,200 dpi color printing.
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Moderate throughput suitable for shared office workflows.
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Duplex and scanning support for document workflows.
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User-replaceable maintenance modules reduce downtime.
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10 GB HDD gives job storage and advanced print / secure job capability.
Cons:
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Relatively slow for modern demands (13 ppm color).
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Running cost of color printing may be high if not optimized.
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Large physical footprint — floor space required.
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Potential difficulty sourcing parts / consumables since model is older.
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Energy use may be higher than more modern, efficient devices.
Deployment & Procurement Tips
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Estimate your usage: Project how many pages/month you'll print in color vs mono. Use that to decide whether this device is cost-efficient for your workflow.
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Plan paper tray configuration: Consider optional trays or modules if you need more paper capacity or different media types.
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Enable duplex: Use two-sided printing and copying to save paper and make documents look more professional.
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Optimize consumables: Use high-yield or enterprise toner / drum modules to reduce cost per page; keep spare CRUs on hand.
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Use scan workflows: Leverage scan-to-email or folder to reduce reliance on paper copies and improve document management.
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Service contract: Because it’s an older model, a service contract or spare parts strategy is recommended to minimize downtime.
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User training: Train users on how to use the device efficiently (how to duplex, how to scan, how to manage print jobs to HDD).
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Monitor usage: Use device management tools (CentreWare, SNMP) to track toner consumption, job sizes, and alerts to manage costs.
Final Verdict
The Xerox WorkCentre M24 is a workgroup-capable, full-color multifunction device that provides a solid balance between functionality and cost. While it doesn’t match modern production machines in speed or efficiency, it is well-suited for offices that need dependable color printing, scanning, and copying without investing in very high-end hardware.
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✅ Choose it if: You are a small to medium team needing a shared multifunction machine with good color and document capabilities.
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⚠ Reconsider if: Your print volumes are extremely high, or if energy efficiency, parts availability, or ultra-low running cost is a top priority.
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