Ricoh SP 204SN review

A small wired multifunction model with a real feeder

The Ricoh SP 204SN is an earlier monochrome laser three-in-one for printing, copying and color scanning. Its 15-sheet automatic document feeder is the important step beyond a basic glass-only personal device: it can process supported loose originals up to Legal size.

USB and wired Ethernet are included, but their documented scanning workflows differ. The model can suit a compatible small document routine needing monochrome output and occasional color capture. It should not be treated as a fax machine or an automatic-duplex printer.

Use USB scanning or a configured network folder deliberately

The scanner specification explicitly associates USB with TWAIN/WIA computer scanning. Ethernet is specified for Scan-to-Email and Scan-to-Folder. That network-folder route can move a scanned file into an accessible computer workflow, provided the actual destination, credentials and permissions are configured. Confirm that the destination accepts the printer's supported authentication and file-transfer settings.

The front USB host port is a third function for scanning to portable media. It is not the same as the USB computer connection. No included Wi-Fi or native AirPrint, Mopria or Wi-Fi Direct arrangement is established by these interface descriptions.

Legal originals belong in the documented feeder route

The feeder handles up to 15 supported loose originals and is explicitly described as accepting originals up to 8.5 × 14 inches. The source gives conflicting glass lengths: 11 inches in the general section and 11.7 inches in the copier section. Letter glass is clear; a full A4 glass requirement is not positively qualified from that conflict.

Automatic two-sided scanning and single-pass capture are not established. ID-card copying and manual duplex copying are layout or handling features, not proof that the feeder captures both sides automatically. An essential duplex-scanning requirement needs a different confirmed arrangement.

The ordinary paper stack is 150 sheets

The standard paper tray holds 150 sheets, with a separate single-sheet bypass. The brochure's 151-sheet total counts that individually fed piece. The questionnaire uses the ordinary tray's 150 sheets when judging included bulk input.

Letter, Legal and A4 printing are documented, but duplex printing is manual. Follow the actual supported paper-reinsertion instructions for two-sided work. The listed paper types do not independently establish an envelope routine, and a bypass slot alone does not prove every special medium is suitable.

Check the exact host-based software before choosing an older unit

The controller uses DDST/GDI with 32MB of memory and a historical Windows support list. Confirm working exact-model print and scanner software for the intended computer. Network management through Web Image Monitor is separate from USB monitoring through Smart Organizing Monitor.

The manufacturer declares 23ppm Letter output. ADF scanning has separate monochrome and color rates at different resolutions, so those figures should not be mixed into the print-speed comparison. No sustained recommended monthly range is established by this brochure.

Fit the operating space and inspect the supplies

The body is declared at 15.8 × 14.2 × 11.4 inches. Its weight is described as less than 22 pounds including the all-in-one cartridge, rather than exactly 22 pounds. Leave room for the feeder, lid, originals, paper and maintenance, and match the documented US 120V/60Hz electrical configuration.

The original starter is declared at 700 pages, with a 1,500-page Type SP 201LA replacement. Those yields do not establish remaining toner or current cost. Choose the SP 204SN for a supported wired monochrome routine with a small Legal-original feeder, provided fax, wireless sharing and automatic duplex are not essential.