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Competitive Analysis

Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

Competitive Model: Xerox DocuColor 240


The Xerox DocuColor 240 runs at a speed of 40 ppm in color and 55 ppm in black.
The device is positioned as a professional color unit targeted to print for pay, CRD,
graphic-arts and graphics-intensive office environments. It is available with a choice of
controllers, including a Fiery controller. The device comes standard with 256 MB RAM
(non-upgradeable), an 80-GB hard drive and a 250-sheet bypass tray. All standard paper
sources can handle paper weight up to 110-lb. cover. This unit offers four optional
print controllers: the Xerox FreeFlow DocuSP DXP 250 print controller; the embedded
EFI (Fiery) print controller; the Creo Spire CX250 print controller; or the EFI (Fiery)
EXP250.

Highlights of the bizhub PRO C500


Robust Feature Set
The Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 is a 50 ppm unit in both color and black.
It features standard standalone copy, standard duplex and a 250-sheet bypass
tray that handles paper weights up to 140-lb. index. A choice of four optional
print controllers is available to add network print functionality; these include
the IP-921 embedded Fiery controller; the external IP-901 v.2.0 controller for
graphics-intensive environments; EFIs MicroPress v7.0 for advanced workflow
and clustering; and for the highest degree of control over color output, the
Creo IC-301 controller. Standard RAM is 512 MB, and a 20-GB hard drive is
included standard as well. In addition, this device supports advanced document
management and communication features via the PageScope suite of software
utilities. The bizhub PRO C500 offers a number of advantages over the DocuColor
240, including:
Higher capacity LCT: The bizhub PRO C500s optional large capacity tray holds
2,500 sheets a capacity 25% higher than the DocuColor 240s optional
2,000-sheet LCT. That means bizhub PRO C500 users spend less time replacing paper
in the LCT and more time on other tasks, increasing office productivity overall.

Competitive Analysis
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

LCT handles oversize paper: Not only does the bizhub PRO C500s LCT handle
more paper, but it handles larger paper as well, accommodating paper sizes from
8.5" x 11" to 13" x 19.2". DocuColor 240 users can load only letter-size paper in the
LCT, and can feed 12 x 18 paper only through the bypass.
Better toner technology: The bizhub PRO C500 uses Konica Minoltas proprietary
Enhanced Simitri polymerized toner, which employs toner particles that are
smaller, smoother and more uniform in size than toner particles produced by
traditional pulverization techniques, resulting in more even halftones, more accurate
text and better grayscales. Additionally, BLIs Lab Test Report on the bizhub PRO
C500 noted, Tested toner yield is above average for black and competitive for color
when compared with that of tested color multifunctional products.
More standard and maximum RAM: The DocuColor 240 has 256 MB RAM,
which is not upgradeable. In contrast, the bizhub PRO C500 starts with double the
standard RAM (512 MB), which can be upgraded to a maximum of 1.5 GB RAM.
Secure print from both drivers: Users printing sensitive or confidential information
can use the Secure Print function available in either print driver of the bizhub PRO
C500 as needed. In contrast, there is no Secure Print feature available for the
DocuColor 240, which puts it at a disadvantage in any business which needs secure
printing, for example, to comply with federal privacy regulations such as HIPAA.

Better Productivity
When Buyers Laboratory ran identical productivity tests on the bizhub PRO
C500 and the DocuColor 240, the bizhub PRO C500 (as tested with the IP-921
Fiery X3e controller) proved to be a more productive unit. For example, the
bizhub PRO C500 offers:
Faster first-copy time in auto color mode. In BLIs tests, the bizhub PRO C500
produced the first color copy from the platen in only 8.1 seconds a full 45.6% faster
than the DocuColor 240s first-copy from the platen of 11.8 seconds. When copying
using the document feeder, the bizhub PRO C500 again proved faster. It produced
its first copy in only 10.8 seconds, versus 12.5 seconds for the DocuColor 240. Fast
first-copy times are particularly important when you consider how many typical
office copy jobs consist of a single quick, walk-up copy. Under these conditions the
bizhub PRO C500 gets the finished work to its users faster, so they spend less time
waiting for copies and more time being productive.
Faster first-copy time in black mode. The bizhub PRO C500s first-copy advantage
extends to black copying as well. From the platen, the bizhub PRO C500s first-copy
time was tested at 6.6 seconds, versus the DocuColors 7.1 seconds. Additionally,
from the platen, the bizhub PRO C500 produced its first copy in 7.5 seconds, versus
the DocuColor 240s 9.8 seconds.
Better print efficiency. The bizhub PRO C500s productivity advantage isnt just
in copying. It proved to have better print efficiency than the DocuColor 240 in a
number of modes as well. For example, when printing 5 sets of a document in
1:1 black print mode, the bizhub PRO C500 showed an overall efficiency of 69.7%
versus the DocuColors efficiency of only 65.2% in the same mode.
Faster job stream: The BLI Job Stream productivity test is critical in understanding
how well a device functions under real-world workplace conditions. In the Job
Stream test, a mix of documents, including Word, Outlook e-mail messages, Excel
spreadsheets, PowerPoint, HTML and Acrobat PDF files is sent to the device in rapid


Shortcomings
of the DocuColor 240
BLIs Lab Test Report on the DocuColor 240 noted a number of the
devices shortcomings, including:
A copy job cannot be programmed, nor can the copy
menu be accessed, while a file is
being transmitted to a mailbox.
While print jobs leave the network queue, they do not appear
at the control panel until all waiting copy jobs or any waiting print
job is completed. Only one print
job appears on the control panel
at a time. Consequently, an operator would not be able to access
and promote an important print
job until it is displayed.
When a copy job is initiated during a print job, there is a pause
of about 10 seconds after the
print job completes, before the
copy job starts. In addition, when
programming a second scan job
while one is already in progress,
the scan speed of the document
feeder drops to a fraction of its
rated speed.
Not all of the features needed to
specify the requirements of typical jobs are accessible from the
main screen; users select from
the main categories listed on the
main screen, at which point the
screen for making specific selections for the selected function is
displayed.
Neither print driver offers secure
print, nor do they offer an overview of selected settings.
There are two selections for
printing in color in the drivers and
if both are not enabled, the job
will be output in black mode.
For the scan function, file format
cannot be changed at the control
panel.
The cost per page of toner(based
on suggested retail pricing and
tested yield) is higher than the
average for tested color models.

from BLIs
Lab Test Report

Competitive Analysis
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

First-Copy Time in Auto Color Mode (seconds)


15
10
5
0

8.1

11.9

From Platen

10.8

12.5

From Document Feeder

bizhub PRO C500


DocuColor 240

First-Copy Time in Black Mode (seconds)


15
10
5
0

6.6

7.1

From Platen

7.5

9.8

From Document Feeder

bizhub PRO C500


DocuColor 240

Print Efficiency*
100%
80

69.7

65.2

bizhub PRO C500

DocuColor 240

60
40
20
0

* Average for 1 and 5 sets in black and white, 1:1 mode.

Competitive Analysis
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

Job Stream Efficiency


100%
80

51.2

50.7

bizhub PRO C500

DocuColor 240

60
40
20
0

succession, simulating the kind of demands a busy workplace would place on an MFP.
In this test, devices generally run at a fraction of their rated productivity; the closer
the efficiency rate is to 100 per cent, the more efficiently the machine handles the job
stream. The bizhub PRO C500 showed a job stream productivity rate of 51.2%, proving
more efficient than the DocuColor 240, which showed efficiency of only 50.7%.
* Data from BLIs Lab Test Reports. The bizhub PRO C500 was tested configured
with the IP-921 controller; the DocuColor 240 was tested using the Fiery X3e
controller.

Significant Cost Advantage


The bizhub PRO C500s advantage over the DocuColor 240 is particularly
noticeable when purchase and running costs are taken into account. In plain
terms, the bizhub PRO C500 costs less to buy and it costs less to run. In
fact, according to BLIs Lab Test Reports, the bizhub PRO C500s toner costs are
significantly lower than the costs for the DocuColor 240 in some cases, less
than half the price of the identical consumables for the DocuColor 240. Over
the course of time, that can add up to a huge difference to the bottom line.
For example, using toner costs outlined in the bullet points below and assuming
a single machine doing a monthly volume of 150,000 impressions, the monthly
black toner cost for the bizhub PRO C500 would be $331.50. Contrast that
price with the monthly black toner cost for the DocuColor 240, which would be
$1,027.50 based on the toner cost determined by BLIs Lab Test Report. Now,
multiply that by 12 (the number of months in a year) and youd find an annual
black toner cost of $12,330 a year for the DocuColor 240, versus only
$3,978 a year to supply the bizhub PRO C500 with black toner. And
that covers the costs of only one device over the course of a single year.
In fact, over the course of five years, the difference in black toner price on just
one device, doing a monthly volume of 150,000 impressions (the DocuColors


Competitive Analysis
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

$61,650 vs. the bizhub PRO C500s $19,890), would be enough to buy a second
bizhub PRO C500.
The bizhub PRO C500s cost-conscious features include:
Lower base price: The bizhub PRO C500s base MSRP is $35,900, while the
base price of the DocuColor 240 is $40,495 giving the bizhub PRO C500 a price
advantage of 12.7%, or $4,595.
Lower upgrade cost: The bizhub PRO C500s price advantage continues on to the
price of its optional upgrades. For example, the densitometer option on the DocuColor
240 costs $2,100, versus a price of only $1,000 for the densitometer option on the
bizhub PRO C500. Thats more than double the price for DocuColor 240 users.
Lower black toner cost: BLIs Lab Test Report on the bizhub PRO C500 reported
black toner cost per page of 0.221 cents, based on tested yield at 6% coverage. In
contrast, the BLI Lab Test Report on the DocuColor 240 revealed that black toner
costs per page are approximately 0.685 cents virtually triple the cost of black toner
for the bizhub PRO C500. This is especially significant when you consider that these
are high-volume devices that may do a lot of printing and copying in black.
Lower color toner cost per page: BLIs Lab Test Reports also show that the
bizhub PRO C500s total toner cost per page (including all four toner colors) is 4.1
cents, versus the DocuColors total toner cost per page of 6.8 cents. Over time,
those pennies add up to dollars and can have a major impact on a companys
bottom line.

Other Highlights
The bizhub PRO C500 offers a number of helpful additional features,
including:
Certified highly reliable: BLIs Lab Test Report on the bizhub PRO C500 stated,
Proving to be highly reliable in BLIs rigorous two-month laboratory evaluation, the
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 completed its 150,000-impression durability test
with no service required, other than a single regularly scheduled PM (preventive
maintenance) visit. As a result, BLI rated this devices reliability as Excellent.
Range of useful utilities: PageScope Web Connection lets users check device
conditions on all network-connected Konica Minolta printers and copiers directly
from their desktop PCs. PageScope Net Care provides network administrators with
detailed information about operating conditions on all output devices containing a
Management Information Base (MIB) on a network from any Web browser. Optional
utilities are also available to handle a wide range of applications including document
management and OCR, variable data printing, file format conversion, imposition,
routing and bill-back. A plug-in is also available allowing the device to work with HPs
popular Web JetAdmin administrative utility.
Extensive finishing options: The bizhub PRO C500 offers an extensive range of
professional-level finishing options, including a trimmer unit and a post-process
sheet inserter, allowing users the flexibility to create a wide range of output.
Full-bleed ledger output support: With the ability to handle paper up to 13"
x 19.2", the bizhub PRO C500 enables users to easily create full-bleed ledger-size
output. Even the bizhub PRO C500s large capacity tray handles full-bleed ledgersize paper, allowing long runs on large media.


Competitive Analysis
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

Summing Up
The bizhub PRO C500 offers the features and functionality businesses need, including
faster first-copy times, more efficient job streaming, better print efficiency
(particularly in black, which is the mode used most often in the majority of offices),
production-level finishing options, and a much lower purchase price and running costs. Offering an extensive range of print controllers which allow users to suit
their needs precisely, the bizhub PRO C500 is an excellent, cost-effective solution for
many different kinds of businesses, from print for pay shops and central reprographics
departments to graphic arts environments.

Competitive Analysis
Konica Minolta bizhub PRO C500 vs Xerox DocuColor 240

Specifications at a Glance
SRP
Fully Configured SRP

Domestic Intro Date


Recommended Monthly
Volume
Multicopy (Ltr)

Konica Minolta bizhub C500

Xerox DocuColor 240

$35,900

$40,495

$51,900

$47,190

Feb-05

Jul-05

Up to 150,000 copies

Up to 200,000 copies

50 cpm (full color) / 50 cpm (black)

40 cpm (full color) / 55 cpm (black)

7.6 sec

7.8 sec

Scan Functionality

Opt

Std

Std Paper Sources

First-Copy Out Time

LCT Capacity
Paper Weights
Bypass Capacity
Paper Weights
Std Paper Capacity

2,500 sheets

2,000 sheets

17 lb. bond to 110 lb. index / 64


gsm to 220 gsm

18 lb. bond to 110 lb. index / 64 gsm to 220 gsm

250 sheets

250 sheets

17 lb. bond to 140 lb. index / 64


gsm to 256 gsm

18 lb. bond to 110 lb. cover / 64 gsm to 300 gsm

1,500 sheets

3,010 sheets

Max Paper Capacity

4,250 sheets

5,260 sheets

Scan Resolution

600 x 600 dpi

600 x 600 dpi

Copy Resolution

600 x 600 dpi

2400 x 2400 dpi

512 MB / 1.5 GB

256 MB (non-upgradeable)

20 GB (optional)

80 GB (non-upgradeable)

Copier Memory (std/max)


Copier Hard Drive (std/max)
Document Feeder

Opt RADF

Std DADF

100 originals

250 originals

Job Programs

30

40

Copy Control

Capacity

999 accounts

1,000 accounts

Black Drum Yield

100,000

215,000

Color Drum Yield

100,000

90,000

Color Toner Price

$55

$199

Black Toner Price

$98

$399

512 MB, 60 GB HD / 1 GB, 60 GB


HD

256 MB, 40 GB HD

Standard Controller PDL/PCL

EFI (Fiery X3TY) Network Color ServerPCL 6c, Adobe


PostScript 3

Optional Controller PDL/PCL

EFI IP-901 (Fiery S300)


Adobe PostScript 3

EFI EXP250 Color ServerPCL 5/6 (emulation),


Adobe PostScript 3

Optional Controller PDL/PCL

EFI IP-921 (Fiery X3e)PCL 6c,


Adobe PostScript 3

Creo Spire CX250 Color ServerAdobe PostScript 3

Optional Controller PDL/PCL

Creo IC-301Adobe PostScript 3

Xerox FreeFlow DXP250 Color ServerAdobe


PostScript 1, 2, 3; PCL 5c/6XL

Optional

Not Available

Printer Memory (std/max)

Trimmer Unit

* Based on U.S. pricing; pricing in Canada may vary. The DocuColor 240s SRP includes base price ($33,200) plus required purchase of network controller ($6,995) plus offset catch tray ($300), as one of the finishing options must be purchased.
1 Based on U.S. pricing; pricing in Canada may vary. The DocuColor 240 is configured with the Professional Finisher and the 2,000-sheet HCF. The
bizhub PRO C500 is configured with the IP-921 print controller, 20 GB copier hard drive, RADF, saddle-stitch finisher and 2,500-sheet LCT.

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