COPIER REVIEWS | 3.5 MIN READ
If you're looking for an honest review of the Konica Minolta bizhub 360i, then keep reading. The bizhub 360i has been a strong choice for small and medium-sized workgroups with only a few flaws, and we breakdown why that's the case.
If you are looking for how this machine stacks up against others in its class, feel free to check out our Top 10 Office Copiers for Small Businesses.
Like all of our machine reviews, we rely on the unbiased knowledge of our friends at Keypoint Intelligence (formerly Buyer's Lab). As an independent research firm, the data they provide the multifunction printer industry is invaluable and honest.
So, (at the time this article was published) as a member of the largest managed print service provider in the US, why would we want to list the good and the bad about a machine we service? At Standard Office Systems, we are committed to offering customers an unbiased point-of-view on the machine's we sell.
We have found that when customers go into a buying decision with as much information as possible (even the bad), they prove to be much more satisfied over time. Plus, we understand that no machine is perfect.
Konica Minolta bizhub 360i Review
Market Entry: September 2020
Speed: 36 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 24.3" x 27"
A user friendly, black and white multifunction device, the 360i is a strong choice for small to mid-size workgroups. The great reliability and simple maintenance procedures make uptime on this machine much higher. However, what you gain in uptime, you lose a bit in image quality; so, this machine is not the best choice for print shops or firms that require quality in-house printing.
Strengths
- Well designed menus make quick access to desired settings possible
- Above average memory and SSD capacity aids in fast processing
- Quick first-copy times
Weaknesses
- Jobs already in the print queue cannot be modified (even quantity)
- Below average media (paper) weight support
- Limited direct print functions
Consider Copier Service
It would be no surprise to us if you were already considering copier service. For some, however, they feel like they can save some money by maintaining their machine alone or as needed. Usually, this is the thought process of smaller organizations that do less printing.
It's important to note that even if your volume is lower, you should still consider a service agreement. Much like a car that sits for long periods of time, if a copier sits idle for too long, things like parts and toner can freeze up and not work properly.
Routine maintenance is important because you avoid more costly repairs as a result of neglect. Additionally, if you work through a dealer, you may be able to enroll in an auto-toner replenishment program. This is great for busy office or IT managers who are responsible for keeping toner supplies current.
Dealers are also capable of offering toner at lower costs because of their significant purchasing power with manufacturers - a benefit not afforded to consumers purchasing from a big box retailer or online.
Is the 'who' that important?
Most importantly, who your service provider is critical. Reading reviews and purchasing the device with the highest rating is great!
But it will do you little good if the service and support provided is from a dealer with a less than stellar reputation. Not all providers are created equally and you may be surprised to find out that working directly with the copier manufacturer isn't as much of an advantage as you may think.
RELATED: Copier Dealers or Manufacturers
At the end of the day, average service will take an otherwise exceptional machine and make it - - well, average. The inverse of that is also true, as we have seen machines with B+ reputations become A+ machines due to the value a great service provider can offer.
Before starting a conversation with a copier dealer, make sure you understand how to select the best copier dealer in your area. Do your homework to ensure that you're not only getting the best machine, but the best service to compliment it.
