Hello All,
Beyond what Kelly has already mentioned, I would suggest looking at the
Epson Perfection 3170 scanner. The price of this particular scanner ranges
from $160 to $180. This scanner is not in the same line as Epson Perfection
1640/1650/1660. However, in extensive testing, the next version in this
line, Epson Perfection 1670, is not built to be as durable and spedy as the
previous model (1660). The epson Perfection 3170 scanner provides very
similar results to 1660 and is as durable. The scanner is slightly quieter
and a little slower. The speed difference is insubstantial. But, please
speak with someone who uses this particular scanner with Open Book prior to
your purchase. I have seen some Open Book tests that suggest that the speed
is quite slow when using it with this particular OCR package. My experience
with this scanner is with Kurzweil 1000.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Pratik
Pratik Patel
Managing Director
CUNYAssistive Technology Services
The City University of New York
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-----Original Message-----
From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kelly Pierce
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2004 8:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Scanners
bill,
The selection of a good quality scanner can improve scanning results when
all other issues are constant such as software, settings, and the document
being scanned. I discovered this when I compared my $70 cheap scanner at
work to the $250 Epson Perfection 1640 I purchased for home use several
years ago. I noticed about a 10 to fifteen percent improvement in accuracy.
it is not a dramatic difference but it can hardly be called marginal or
insignificant either. Additionally, some scanners are geared to scan photos
and images offering additional features and a slightly different design (it
captures and separates colors better). There is also bundled software.
One can do OCR on these scanners but one may not get optimal performance as
compared to buying a general scanner of the same model that is not the photo
scanning model. Also, as a blind computer user, one is paying for a lot of
stuff not wanted or needed.
to the person who wants to know what kind of scanner to buy, I still
recommend the line of Epson scanners I bought. The model number is now at
1650 or 1660 or 1670 as the hardware is updated with a new model but the
overall design is the same. I chose my scanner after obtaining the list
from Freedom Scientific. I already had a copy of Open Book. For the user
considering Open book, I would also try a demo of the K1000. One can buy a
scanner and install each program on your system. some do not want to deal
with the hassles of installation or install something on their system they
plan to delete in a few weeks. I live in a big city with several agencies
for the blind. I suggest to people that if they can they might go to a one
or more of the agencies and try each program there for several hours getting
a definite feel and understanding of the interface and the features. both
programs use the same OCR engine so the results will be nearly identical.
but one should try a number of different documents with different settings
on each program. depending on the document, the scanner being used, and the
particular program some documents, like CD liner notes that are off color in
eight point type, can be more readable in one program as compared to
another.
Kelly
After I received the scanner list, I took a look at the reviews at CNet
http://www.cnet.com
for each of the scanners. yes, it took a few weeks to reach a decision but
it was well worth the effort because I made a great decision that will last
for many years.
Kelly
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Gallik" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 8:48 PM
Subject: Re: Scanners
> OpenBook (and Kurzweil) comes with very good Optical Character
Recognition;
> that's why the packages are so darn expensive. The point being, looking
for
> a scanner with good OCR is really a red herring since you'll likely be
using
> the OCR installed with OpenBook. The best advice to offer here is to make
> certain that the scanner you purchase has been certified to work with your
> Document Reading application, this information should be available at the
> Freedom Scientific web site. Beyond that I will offer this note, the
price
> of a very good scanner is reasonable enough that I would be sure to buy a
> quality scanner from a well-known company. It's worth the extra $25 or so
> for the support and peace of mind.
>
> - Bill Gallik
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Greg Brayton" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 5:24 PM
> Subject: Scanners
>
>
> > I'm wanting to buy a scanner. I got the demo for open book at the
> > convention, don't know if I want to buy it but firtst I need a scanner
> > anyway with good opticle character recognition.
> > Can anyone reccomend something for me?
> >
> >
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>
>
> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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>
VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
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VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
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VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask] In the body of the message, simply type
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VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
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