Let me get this right your canon 6000 is the same speed as a Xerox 8000AP? Perhaps Craigs 8000 is not an AP so slows for heavier stock?
So if he meant 1200 SHEETS per hour rather that 1200 IMAGES per hour, then yes, the 8000 is faster than the 6000. The Cannon 7000 is 16 sheets per minute double sided on the 13.2 x 19 sheet.
Also, notice that he was very specific about 12x18 and NOT 13 x 19. Actually, the 8000 can't do the 13 wide. But it can do the 19 long, but it slows down again on the stocks longer than 18. From my understanding the Chasis on the Xerox 5000, 7000 and 8000 is the same. So it has the same restrictions on papers longer than 18". That is why he quoted 12" x 18" and not 19" long.
Also, the new "AP" versions where simply software upgrades to make the fuser get hotter. Not a re-design of the entire fuser assembly. Not really the most elegant way to go faster long term. A bigger fuser roller might be better.
One of the benefits of the Cannon is the double fuser. That means they don't need to slow down as much.
Don't get me wrong, I am not a Xerox basher. In fact I really like my xerox equipment (I still have my 250), my technicians and even my Xerox sales rep. In fact, I think that my Xerox techs are overall better than my Cannon techs because this relatively new (basiclly 2 years old) Cannon machine is new to so many of the techs.
Xerox has a problem because they have been a leader for so long. Their line of machines is based on old technology. They have one line of Chasis's that they have been using for years and years for their "Production" equipment. That is basically the same from the 2045, 2060, 6060, 7000, 8000 and even now the newest 5000. This Chasis has restricted any total revamp of the fuser and paper path which forces them to sheet size restrictions which gives problems with speed and fusing.
Then there is the superior imaging technology (higher resolution, better toner and no fuser oil) that they rolled out in the 240, 250, 260. But the issue here is a much less heavy duty fuser.
The 5000 is an attempt to marry together the superior imaging quality on the 240, 250 260 with the higher production machine stamina of their old reliable workhorse chasis of the 2045, 2060, 6060, 7000 and 8000. But then that better imaging technology still has the restrictions of the VERY old Chasis.
Then they came out with the 700. Basically the 260 with 3 extra inches to allow for heavier weights of paper to be duplexed. That is cool, but still has the less heavy duty fuser, so not so good for lots of high volume cover stock.
Now, the Igen is the oldest technology. They had been working on that technology from early in the 90's. By the time they came to market with it, there were already better image technologies out on the market. I hear that the latest version of the Igen is getting better imaging, but still, the entire box was built with very old thinking. Not that it is bad, but it does make it a very different technology than that other machines listed earlier.
There are so many considerations to all of this other than simply machine capabilities. The Igen requires a VERY different business model than the rest of the digital equipment out there. One of the big problems is that it is difficult for any of us to control the specific business situation to which we exist from one month to another.
