Which Printer Brand Should I Choose: Ricoh, Toshiba, or Brother?
Asked by
TechWizard92
I'm looking for some advice on choosing between Ricoh printers (IM C6000, IM 4000s) and Toshiba models like the estudio5525ac or 4528A, as well as comparing Ricoh's P800s, IM 550F, and 460F against the Brother MFC-EX915DW. I'm evaluating proposals from two vendors who will handle parts, toner, and repairs, which is a relief. The only part I really manage is network setup. My boss says I can make the choice, but I'm no decision-maker by nature. The cost is nearly the same, but one vendor is a bit cheaper. I've analyzed the page-per-minute specs and the monthly volume data, and they seem comparable; the Toshiba and Brother options might sacrifice a little speed (around 5 ppm). The Ricoh units we've been using have been problematic, but the new vendor will do most of the setup. Since we print and copy a lot in healthcare, I need something that will keep the staff happy. We are looking at one color printer for the CEO and marketing, with black and white for everyone else. Given all of this, does anyone have thoughts on which brand could be the best choice?
Answers
In my experience, Ricoh tends to outperform both Brother and Toshiba. They’re generally reliable, and the print quality is great. Just be aware that they can be a bit slower in terms of the first page output, but once they’re running, they do very well.
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Honestly, I think Ricoh has the best overall performance. Their web interface might be a bit clunky, but if you can use Ricoh NX to manage them, they really are solid machines that handle high volumes without breaking down.
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I’ve had good luck with Ricoh too! We’ve been using a couple of Lanier models and they haven’t given us a lick of trouble. On the other hand, that one Toshiba we had was always a hassle, so I personally wouldn’t recommend them if reliability is a priority.
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We have a fleet of Ricoh IM C6000 printers with finishers and they've been stellar for us for 6 years—no service calls required! Just make sure you use genuine parts. Our past Canon printers were a nightmare, so this was a significant upgrade.
CopyNinja: Wow, 6 years of trouble-free prints is impressive! I think I'll definitely lean towards Ricoh.
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PrinterRescuer: I agree! I would steer clear of Toshiba based on experience. Sticking with Ricoh seems safer for long-term use.