best copier ~ $1500

[tbar3]

Looking for the best copier for the best price that meets these requirements:
must be able to copy to 11x17 paper
must have document feeder (or capability of adding one and still be under budget.)i was looking @ the Sharp AR-M-162E or the 207E of the same model...

any thoughts on either of these or better suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[tbar3]

And... the $1500 limit is no longer in play.... sub 2500 would be preferable..

best bang for the buck, basically

[blackcat4866]

Does it need to duplex? If so forget the Panther/Pegasus series of Sharps.

[10871087]

And... the $1500 limit is no longer in play.... sub 2500 would be preferable..

best bang for the buck, basically


Is the 11x17 a must have?

[tbar3]

Duplex is not necessarily a MUST have, but would be a nice feature...

11x17 is DEFINITELY a must have...

what about the Copystar CS-1650? if i were to add a second paper tray, and the document feeder cover.

I've only been able to find one review on this particular copier, but have heard good things about Copystar in general.

Any thoughts on this one or others with the Copystar name?

[mitchl]

Find a low metered, used Kyocera Mita 3035 or a Kon. Minolta DI-2010/2510............ Both work pretty darn well. One would think that you could find either in the 2500 hundred range, if not PM me I have a warehouse full of this stuff!

[blackcat4866]

I have no complaints about the 1650. It's a good box.

[Scorotron Wizard]

I agree with Mitchl re: the Km3035 as its ok but I would not give a 2510 to anyone even if they begged me they are pants! The toner add mechanism fouls up and it is a horrible job to do. The clutch on the top tray fails and is a horrible job to do, The duplex gets noisy, if you have to fit an upper roller its not too bad butis not 'easy', A much much much better machine is the Minolta Di 251 or 351 its the dogs boll*cks, it has no real vices, you can turn off the 'replace image unit' display so the machine runs on and I have had many IU's go on for over 100k. If you look around you can get one with under 100k or less and it will be a real bargain, check the mechanical meter with the electronic one they should be within 10 copies, also check inside the duplex door (If it has a duplex) if its done loads and been clocked the inside of the door will be quite grubby. The Di200 is quite good too but won't criss cross duplex and dosent have some of the other features.

[Spank6482]

I would definitely look into a used KM-3035, lots of them are starting to come off lease and can be picked up for a reasonable price. The KM-1650/2050 is also worth looking if you get the chance.

[ni311]

Guys,

What do you think about DI350? I think it's better compared with the following machine in its class, DI2510. I never had problems with paper take-up clutches, like I always have with DI2510. I think it's hard to find a low countered machine, it's kind of old, but worth trying.

[Scorotron Wizard]

Hi Di 350
Yeah its basically a good machine, the pickers in the fuser aren't great but if you get the modified type fingers and the later springs they are not too bad. The toner add gear on the motor can go but this is an easy fix, train the operator on fitting the toner! Its an old machine now, I think its officially obsolete now (it must be ten years old). The Di 351 or 251 are my favorite machine. On the251 range a common fault is the one way bearing on the feed roller wash it with IPA and rough up the shaft with 800 grit wet and dry. Also watch out for the pivot pin on the cassette breaking, fix this with a wood screw into the plastic to act as a new pivot.:)

[mickspace]

Looking for the best copier for the best price that meets these requirements:
must be able to copy to 11x17 paper
must have document feeder (or capability of adding one and still be under budget.)i was looking @ the Sharp AR-M-162E or the 207E of the same model...

any thoughts on either of these or better suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
AR-M-162E or the 207E, Stay away from those . AR-M237

AR-M257/M317, the AR-m350-450-355-455 are very good.
anything upwards from there. if it has a touch panel, it is ok.. The AR-M-162E , 168 or the 207E are crap. stay away from an old AR-505, etc they are crap, (they were good in their day). What ever you purchase, do look at the Otpions, Specs etc, who is going to service that machine. etc etc, Who is going to set it up to print, and scan? does it come with those options? Does it fax, how much memory does it have? Will it scan to PDF, or in color? Does it have Scan to Email, Does it use a Twain driver to scan??
If you get a Lex Mark/HP you replace the drum, developer with the cartridge. If you get an ARM207E a service tech replaces all that. Do yourself a favor and research before you buy. and Remmber You Get What You Pay For!!!

[fixthecopier]

If you want a used Konica Minolta let me know. I may have a di250/350 left, we have tons of 2510/3010 and our biggest contract is about to end with lots of low metered di251/351's we will own.