So, you’re looking for a new office workhorse and you’ve narrowed it down to Konica Minolta’s bizhub i-Series. Smart choice. But now you’re staring at two models that look completely identical: the C250i and the C360i.
They have the same sleek design and the same big, beautiful screen. So, what’s the actual difference? And more importantly, which one should you choose for your business here in Albuquerque?
Let’s break it down. The goal here isn’t to sell you the “better” machine, but to help you figure out which one is the right machine for the way your team actually works.
First, What’s the Same? The Awesome i-Series Experience
Before we get to the one key difference, you should know that both the C250i and C360i are built on the same fantastic platform. This means that whichever one you pick, you’re getting the same great foundation.
- The Same Great Tablet Screen: Both have a big 10.1-inch color touchscreen that you can tap, swipe, and customize just like a phone or tablet. It’s incredibly easy to use, meaning less frustration for your team.
- The Same Modern Security: Protecting your business data is critical. Both models come with the same top-notch security, including data encryption and user authentication. You can even add an optional Bitdefender® antivirus for an extra layer of protection.
- The Same Beautiful Print Quality: Your reports and marketing materials will look just as sharp and professional with either machine. They share the exact same high-resolution printing technology.
- The Same Super-Fast Scanner: Need to digitize stacks of paper? Both machines have the same impressive scanner that can rip through up to 200 images per minute (when scanning two-sided).
Basically, the day-to-day experience of using these machines—the screen, the security, the quality, the scanning—is identical. The choice comes down to one thing: the engine under the hood.
The Big Difference: Speed and Stamina
The only real distinction between the C250i and the C360i is how fast they print and how much work they’re built to handle every month. This is where you match the machine to your office’s unique rhythm.
The bizhub C250i: The Efficient Daily Driver Think of the C250i as the perfect all-around performer for most offices. It’s built to handle the daily grind for small to medium-sized teams with ease.
- Print Speed: A steady 25 pages per minute (color and B&W).
- Who’s it for? This is a great fit for businesses with consistent but not crazy printing needs. If your team prints reports, invoices, and general documents throughout the day, the C250i has all the power you need without making you pay for extra speed you won’t use.
- Recommended Workload: Built for up to 16,000 pages per month.
The bizhub C360i: The High-Traffic Powerhouse The C360i is the V6 engine upgrade. It’s for busier, larger teams or any office where hitting deadlines is everything and waiting by the printer is not an option.
- Print Speed: A much faster 36 pages per minute (color and B&W). That’s over 40% faster than the C250i.
- Who’s it for? Ideal for larger departments, law offices, or any business where people frequently print big, multi-page documents. If you notice a line forming at your current printer, the extra speed of the C360i will be a welcome relief.
- Recommended Workload: Built for a much heavier workload of up to 33,000 pages per month—more than double the C250i.
How to Make the Right Call
You know your office better than anyone. To figure this out, just think about a typical busy day.
Ask yourself:
- How many people are sharing this one machine?
- Do we often print documents that are 50, 70, or 100+ pages long?
- Is it common to see people waiting for their turn to print?
- Do we know our average monthly print volume? (If not, we can help you find out!)
The bottom line is simple. If your workflow is steady and your team isn’t being held up by your current printer, the bizhub C250i is a fantastic choice. You get all the modern features in a perfectly capable and affordable package.
But if you have a larger team, you’re always up against deadlines, or you know your printer is a bottleneck, investing a little more in the bizhub C360i is a no-brainer. That extra speed will save your team time and frustration every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do they really have the same screen and software? Yep! Both the C250i and C360i have the exact same 10.1-inch, tablet-style touchscreen. The user experience is identical. If you can use one, you can use the other.
2. Is the print or scan quality different? Nope, the quality is exactly the same. Both give you the same sharp, professional-looking prints and the same fast, clear scans. The only difference is how quickly the printed pages come out.
3. What about the size? Will one take up more space? No, they are physically identical twins. Both machines have the same footprint, so you can base your choice purely on performance needs, not on your floor plan.
Let’s Help You Choose
You have the info—now you can make a great decision based on how your team actually works.
Our team at Document Solutions Albuquerque can help you take the final step. We can talk through your workflow and give you a personalized assessment to make sure you get the perfect bizhub i-Series for your business.
Contact us today to schedule a quick consultation. Let’s get your office set up for a more productive future.
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