Pentax DSmobile 600 Scanner | Essentially same as Strobe XP 100

Pentax DSmobile 600 Scanner | Pentax Scanner Review

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Pentax DSmobile 60...

	Pentax DSmobile 600 Scanner Pentax Pentax average customer review:based on 103 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Essentially same as Strobe XP 100

I ordered this scanner after upgrading to a new laptop that has Vista as the OS. I own a Visioneer Paperport Strobe XP100 but the twain driver software which works on computers with Windows XP was not recognized by Vista. Nor was there an updated driver for my version of the scanner on the manufacturer's website. For later models, with a certain serial number range, there is a Vista driver on the Visioneer website.

It is frustrating to have to replace a perfectly good device simply because there is no software written for it. I liked the XP 100 for its small footprint, no need for external power supply and relatively simple software. This DS Mobile 600 scanner, however, is an identical peice of hardware to the XP100. The sole exception is the top button on the XP100 is gray while on the DS Mobile it is black. It even comes with the very same black storage drawstring bag. Even the first two patent numbers on the bottom are the same, the DS Mobile has a third patent listed as well.

As with most USB devices, you load the software first then connect the scanner. Vista recognized it and the final installation was flawless. Graphics programs with a twain feature recognized the driver and the software to operate the scanner loaded. The software is fairly similar to that of the XP100 with a handful of preselected scanning modes plus a separate customized scanning option. Typical of most twain drivers. My first few scans have been fine. Yes, you do have to select a setting each time you scan a page. For my use this is not a large problem, just a matter of clicking the mouse one more time if you are using one of the predefined settings. But I agree it would be better if when it loaded it defaulted back to the last setting used. Maybe Pentax will update it some day. I don't expect great results from it as I would a flatbed scanner, but for mobile purposes and at the Amazon price it fits the bill.

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Pentax Scanner Review

This is an excellent product for the price. Works well and is very compact!

Portable scanner ideal

I purchased this product for my husband who is in insurance. While on an appointment he needs retrieve important information from the client in order to furnish them with a quote. To expedite the process, the scanner is used. He simply loads the information into his laptop and e-mails the information to the office.

He says it's a breeze to use, easy to carry (as it's the size of a portable 3-hole punch) and a wonderful tool.

He is very pleased with it.

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Simple and easy to use

This is a very light, easy-to-carry and easy-to-use scanner. You plug directly on the USB port (2.0) for power, to avoid carrying a lot of plugs and wires. The user interface is very simple, and even non-technical persons will be able to use it without problems.
The manual says that it doesn't work on Windows 2003, but I was able to install and use it without problems.
The only problem I found is that I was not able to OCR documents. There is this option, but the provided software does not perform OCR on the scanned documents.
Maybe some additional software is missing... but I have not read the manual or done extensive research on this matter.
Overall, a very good option if you need to quickly scan documents.

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Not convenient for multiple page documents

I have owned a Visioneer XP100 for several years. Though it could be quirky and loud it got the job done to my satisfaction.

I recently bought a new laptop with Vista OS - which is not compatible with the XP100. So, after researching reviews and price, I decided to go with the Pentax 600.

It looks and operates almost identical to the XP100. I immediately noticed it is a bit quieter than the XP100.

The problem though is that it does not handle multiple page documents as easily as the Visioneer.

After each page is scanned the Pentax wants me to use my mouse/touch pad to select the type of image to be scanned next - even if I want to keep the same settings for all the pages! This is VERY annoying and wastes time.

I must scan several 30-50 page documents a day and this quirk is a deal breaker for me.

I have received an RMA and I am sending the Pentax back and buying the more expensive Visioneer Roadwarrior.

This scanner would probably be fine for anyone not wanting to routinely scan multiple page documents.

My next request is for someone to create a standalone portable scanner that scans without the use of a computer!

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