Review by James PylantDocuPen RC800 portable scanner. Available from www.planon.com. $299.99. System Requirements: Windows 2000/ME/XP, Mac OSX, CD/ROM driver, 128 MB RAM, 60 MB hard drive space, USB.The DocuPen RC800, touted as the "world’s only color, truly mobile, full-page portable scanner," is a pen-sized, two-ounce device from the Canadian-based Planon System Solutions, Inc. With an 8 MD on-board flash memory, the DocuPen is capable of scanning full-page documents as 24-bit color, 12-bit color, grayscale or monochrome. (A memory slot allows users to add microSD/Transflash memory for greater scanning capacity.) The DocuPen is a genealogist’s dream come true. A light-weight, hand-held scanner, it is ideal for research trips, for it scans in seconds and stores hundreds of pages of texts and graphics. In our first attempt at using this product, we had a couple of glitches, both of which were resolved by a quick call to technical support’s toll-free number. But the real test of the DocuPen’s capability came after experimenting with it on a library visit. We scanned about two dozen pages from files and books, and after returning to our office uploaded the images to PaperPort SE software (which is provided) and then printed copies from a laser printer. The DocuPen is sensitive to quick movements – resulting in an unclear or incomplete scan – but the dual-roller guides around the lens keeps the scanner moving smoothly and uniformly. The DocuPen proves to an uncomplicated device and simple to use after trial and error and very handy for on-site research. It is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and can be recharged by your computer’s USB port and comes with a leather case, USB cable, Scansoft PaperPort SE and Twain Drivers software. The software allows users to convert scans into an editable and searchable format. Highly recommended. |
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