This scanner comes well packaged with everything you need including a soft storage pouch and an 8GB micro-SD card capable of storing approximately 400 highest quality documents. It supports a 32GB card which is capable of storing 4 times as much. Scanning requires a little practice getting the technique right but once mastered it is easy and produces excellent results. There are four large and smooth roller wheels underneath that make the scanning process far easier as they limit the friction and produce smooth movement across the document to be scanned.
It is powered by 2 x AA batteries (provided) and is completely portable (I needed that). Documents can be transferred to PC either by connecting the mini-USB cable or by taking the micro-SD card out and using a card reader. There are 3 quality settings that are controlled by the “DPI” button and the chosen setting is shown on the digital display. There is a format selection button that switches between JPG image and the commonly used PDF formats which is ideal for emailing. Again, the chosen selection is displayed on the digital display. There is a “time set” button which is useful for time stamping your files but not critical to the overall process. Finally there is a button to format the micro-SD card. Both the time setting and format buttons require something like a thin pin to press (see video).
Scanning involves pressing the “Scan” button and moving the device smoothly across the surface of the document, keeping both sides parallel with the edges of the document. How slowly you move the device depends on the quality of image that you have chosen and is one of the things that take practice. When you press the “Scan” button again it processes the image and saves it to the memory card.
You are provided with a free copy of ABBYY FineReader 11 which supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and can convert scanned text (just a picture) into an editable text document. Overall this is a light, portable and well-built device that will meet the needs that flatbeds cannot support.
My work does not support stand-alone portable scanners (we have large flatbeds) which makes certain parts of my job difficult. This scanner has met my needs as I must maintain readily accessible evidence of pupils’ ability and working level. It is perfect for obtaining folio/work evidence “in situ” without creating additional workload and student disruption. Oh – and as a welcome bonus, I can scan my old photos that do not fit into the little 6 x 4 automatic photo scanner that I bought a few years ago. I am really happy with it and recommend it to anyone in a similar predicament.
