Ricoh's Ikon acquisition

[Mark]

So long story short should anyone buy the Konica machine from Ikon?

[ambperera]

My opinion is that Ikon changing to a new product line and vendor, is a risk for all of us that own a Canon machine with Ikon. We are looking very closely what our reps has to say about this, and how much he knows the new line from Ricoh to propose the correct machine for us. We are also looking at replacing our Canon for Oce or Xerox. Has anyone heard about the Xerox 700?

[jorgenl]

Hello,
Ikon was purchased by Ricoh. It is therfore very natural for Ikon to focus on Ricoh machines.

Before purchasing a new KM, please look into Ricohs new Pro series. There are several new innovative technologies that will be launched this year. This includes the Pro C900 machine with inline perfect binder. This machine will be offered with several controllers and aditional software.

I know that I am biased as a Ricoh Product manager, but I strongly believe that by May 2009 there will be no other company with a product line like Ricohs.

[vwrome]

It is good to hear about a positive future for Ricoh as well as an epanded line of production machines, Will Ricoh focus on slower production 50-75ppm?

[xit791]

IKON will have to support the machines they sell -- but at what level is the question. Personally, I would not take the risk.

Missy, I am looking at the sme machines as you right now. Right now I rate:

1) Xerox 252
2) Canon Imagepress C1+
3) Canon 5185 last.
???) Next week I go see the Konica Minolta demo.

I have proposals for the Xerox and KM, and the KM offers much more bang for the buck. Plus the KM rep seems to know the print for pay market much better and how his machine works in that environment. Saying that, I do feel good abouth the Xerox.

I don't expect Canon to be a game changer when they offer their proposals. I can't get over the C1's slow color speed and the 5185 doesn't match the quality of the other machines. Personally, I thought the Xerox 252's quality was comparable to the C1 at a much higher speed rating. The C1 had better quality but not enough to change my mind. I am, after all a "quick printer" / "copy shop".

Good luck with your decision.

[KMGI Sales]

To be honest your best bet in buying any machine is to buy directly from the manufacturer, while I am biased in this opinion, I still believe overall, you will receive a better quote, and probably better service as well on these devices.

While the above being stated, our dealer channels, are fantastic, and most have been factory trained, so if they provide you with a long relationship you trust, or you simply like their sales force and service techs, by all means please do contact your local sales offices.

However, if you reside in IL, IA, MO, WI, MN, please feel free to contact me regarding not only digital devices from Konica Minolta, but also if you do conventional print, or are contemplating a move over to CTP, please also contact me regarding Analog or CTP plates as well.

KMGI is a full service industry leading print supplier, not only with expertise in digital imaging, but also in conventional offset and web printing.

KMGI is currently focused in the more produciton oriented devices from KMBS, which include the C6500, C6501, Bizhub920, Bizhub1050, Bizhub's 1600, 2000 ,and 2500 devices, along with a few other devices that may suit your facility well.

So again should you want to contact anyone in the states listed above for Digital or the states listed below for all of our graphics solutions, including CTP devices and plates, please contact me at the email below...

States for Digital as well as Analog or Digital CTP devices and plates. (IL, MO, IA, WI, MN, ND, SD)

mkahle@gi.konicaminolta.us

[Internal_R&D_Analyst]

Two years ago we tried the LD6500 from KMGI and could not get good service and at times would be down for days. I suppose that will happen when there is one service tech in the midwest, one on the east, and one on the west.

We returned them and got them through KMBS dealers and have continued that way but also gone through a direct branch office as well as one through Ikon.

Now that Danka was purchased I have heard they now service the KMGI LD machines. The Rip on the LD machines is a KM product and not a fiery or creo. We felt after switching that using of of these proven rips was a better solution.

If KMGI can now service the machines through the Danka channel this will be a huge improvement, however I still question KM making their own rip.

Service is the key to all these machines. I learned from a recent visit to oce that they offer 24/7 service on their 665. It appears that the oce channel really gets what is required when a machine call it entry or mid level goes into a printer as apposed to an office setting. As mentioned in another post their fogra certification is another what they have taken this device to the next level.

[KMGI Sales]

Internal_R&D_Analyst -

Note Danka does in fact now service our devices, sold thru KMGI. Second the PR rip is now a distant memory and we offer both the Creo and Fiery rips solely.

We found out real quick what was needed in the digital world on these device in regards to servicing them, and found our solution in Danka.

So I believe we have firmed up any problems you may have had in the past.

[Internal_R&D_Analyst]

Internal_R&D_Analyst -

So I believe we have firmed up any problems you may have had in the past.

Glad to hear of the changes.

So can you go ahead and get me a refund on a demo machine placed in Chicago 2 years ago that was accidentally paid for during the demo time and was returned and picked up 2 years ago by your people? We've worked with VP's at KMGI, KMBS dealer and branch sides, Danka and PSG.

Seeing that we do business with KMBS now a credit into KMGI does us no good.

[KMGI Sales]

Since I recently took over this territory, and had previously worked as a tech in the region for the past 11.5 years prior to moving to sales, you would have to fill me in on where this device was placed in Chicago.

Let me know

Mark

email me at

mkahle@gi.konicaminolta.us