Ricoh has given a recent push towards gigantic all-purpose machines fit for only the largest businesses with the biggest budgets. This does not mean they have forgotten the medium-sized business or work group looking for a multi-purpose machine which offers both quality and price. Their SPC232SF is meant to provide all the basic functions that a medium business would need in the office while still fitting on an average-sized desk.
Design
This printer is in no way petite though as it weighs in at a hefty 30 kg when completely unloaded. The 250 sheet input tray is located inside a hatch on the face of the printer just below all of the controls. There is also an optional 500 sheet upgrade. Ricoh did not skimp on the controls as every function imaginable can be accessed through the 2-line backlit LCD display, LED warning lights, pin pad, and various other power and print buttons. There is also a 35 sheet Automatic Document Feeder as well as as a 100 sheet special media tray. The entire top of the machine folds open to access the Ricoh SPC232SF toner cartridges and the drum. Along the back end are sockets for a USB cable, Ethernet cord, and the phone line for faxing.
Advantages
One feature that can be invaluable in the office is duplexing, and this is one of the few printers in this range that offer automatic duplexing. On top of this, the speed for duplexing is a snappy 10 pages per minute. The 35 sheet ADF, 100 sheet special media tray, and faxing options means that no office will be found wanting for lack of options. High yield Ricoh SPC232SF toner cartridges used in tandem with the upgradeable 500 sheet input tray means that this printer was definitely built to grow with the company.
Disadvantages
In an office with mixed computers, this printer may not be the way to go as it cannot handle Linux or any of the operating systems outside of Windows and Apple's OS X. While the printer is relatively fast with larger jobs, it is rather sluggish with smaller sized jobs. After clicking print, it can take upwards of 30 seconds before the first page comes out, meaning that there could be a lot of waiting around at this machine for 2 or 3 sheet printers.
