The Epson model 1660 comes very highly recommended. I have not yet purchased
either open book or the Kurtzweil K1000 (don't know which one I want yet,
and have to get some more cash together), but, in preparation for the
acquisition of an OCR system, I did purchase the Epson 1660 at the end of
this past april from "tech for less":

www.techforless.com
(719) 886-8000

The 1660 was being sold for $83; tax and shipping brought it up to $100.
These units may not be brand new (not in original factory containers), but
they are fully warranted. I've had no trouble with mine using it to copy
pictures, (that was when a sighted friend was here.)

If the Epson 1660 is still available, it represents a good bargain at the
reduced price, said price only being reflective of the fact that it is a
discontinued model, but perhaps the best model for our purposes.

John McCann

----- Original Message -----
From: "Pratik Patel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2004 10:08 AM
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Scanners


> 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
>      [log in to unmask]
>
> -----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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> >
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>
>
> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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>
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