Ricoh Pro C720

I've heard about it, however could not confirm that much. I'll do some checking!

I posted this back in November of 09:

Aficio MP 2851SP January 2010
Aficio MP 3351SP
Aficio MP 4001SP
Aficio MP 5001SP
Aficio SP 3400SF
Aficio SP 3410SF

3183DNP (Duplicator) Feb 2010
Aficio MP C6501
Aficio MP C7501

GX 5550N March 2010

It was launched today!!

Do you think that this product will only be available to the limited number of previously authorized C900 dealers? Or have you heard that it will now be open to the general dealer community?

I have not heard, however I'm hoping that this can be a dealer unit. Anyone else hear anything in reference to trippers post?

Just a guess, but this is baxically a slowed down C900 so I would think it would be handled like the C900 in the dealer channel.

We hope not right!

Ricoh Americas Corporation announced today the official launch of the Ricoh Pro C720/C720s, a production class multi-functional color system and the latest addition to Ricoh’s Pro series of products, designed specifically for the production environment.

This flexible system targets corporate and commercial professional print environments with demanding application needs. The Pro C720/C720s has a robust duty cycle of 320,000 images per month, and runs at 72 pages-per-minute (PPM) regardless of paper weight.

The Ricoh Pro C720s allows customers to complete a wide range of applications within one system. The Pro C720s offers high-resolution scanning, copying, and automated distribution to multiple destinations, including e-mail, URL, and FTP. It also allows customers to store files on a document server so you can reprint them without re-ripping the files.

Central to the operation of the Ricoh Pro C720/C720s is a server-based EFI Fiery® Print controller. The Fiery platform optimizes the Pro C720/C720s for top speed, quality, advanced color management, and integrated work-flow utilities that provide the customer with complete control over digital file processing at every stage of production.

The Fiery is an open, flexible solution addressing the demanding requirements of Commercial Printers, In-Plant Print Shops, and Central Reproduction Departments (CRDs). The Fiery controller is a standard component of the Pro C720/C720s and includes a number of value-added workflow and job automation utilities such as Fiery Graphic Arts Package, Standard Edition, EFI Hot Folders, Fiery WebTools, and more.

Additionally, the Ricoh Pro C720/C720s offers a wide range of advanced in-line finishing options that can be configured to customers’ exact requirements, providing enhanced flexibility and efficiency. Options include a high capacity stacker which enables longer unattended print runs, and an array of document handling and finishing options

The Pro C720/C720s is engineered to provide maximum uptime and reliability to customers in demanding print environments. It is ideal for print-for-pay shops, CRDs and other environments that need to take on more color jobs, increase revenue, and lower cost.

The Pro C720/C720s incorporates Trained Customer Replacement Units (TCRU’s) that enable operators to replace key components of the system, providing improved productivity. In addition, Ricoh bundles remote diagnostics, troubleshooting and online consumable ordering through the included @Remote diagnostic solution.

The Pro C720/C720s features large capacity trays that incorporate air-assist paper feeding for sheets up to 13” x 19.2”. The system handles media basis weights from 16lb bond to 110lb cover and prints at rated speed regardless of basis weight.

“With the economy still on the rebound, we’re continuing to develop cost-effective solutions that help our customers improve their bottom lines. We’ve had very good customer experiences with the C900, and the Pro C720 builds on the reliability and quality of the same platform,” said Carl Joachim, vice president of Marketing for PPBG, Ricoh Americas Corporation. “We’ve made good inroads in the production color market over the past year, not only with the Pro C900, but also with our solutions and professional services that address emerging applications such as Web2Print and VDP.”

Order taking for the C720/C720S will be effective immediately, with availability scheduled for February 2010. The product will be available through US channels of distribution that include Ricoh Business Solutions, IKON and authorized independent dealers. Additional distribution within the Ricoh Americas group is planned through Ricoh Canada Limited and Ricoh Latin America.

Anyone have an MSRP on this yet?

PPBG is planning on launching the Ricoh Pro C720 Series on February 1st. The Pro C720 has the same mainframe as the C900 and it's accessories are identical.

This is a great addition to our product line, because it fills the gap between the Ricoh Pro C550/700EX and the Ricoh Pro C900. We really didn't have a product to compete directly against the bizhub PRO 6501 and this provides us with a much better offering.

The only differences between the configurations of the Ricoh Pro C720 and the C900 are:

*The Ring Binder is not an available option
*The Perfect Binder is not an available option
*The embedded Fiery controller is the only controller available (The high end Fiery controller and the Creo will not be available)
*EFI's Impose is optional vs. standard on the C900

Looks like MSRPs are around $100k for the C720 and $124k for the C720s. Doesnt do alot to fill the gaps between the C900 and C700EX in my opinion. There is still a big hole in the $65k to $100k range and considering that it shares almost all features with the C900, avoiding cannibalization is going to be tricky. Maybe a better fit as a low price alternative against the DC5000 or Canon C6000VP.

GIntel stated:

"There is still a big hole in the $65k to $100k range and considering that it shares almost all features with the C900, avoiding cannibalization is going to be tricky"

I seriously doubt that will be a problem.

We all know why.

15% less than the C900 although the speed is almost 23% less