Cheap Microtek ScanMaker X6 Flatbed Scanner (Parallel) (Electronics) (Windows NT, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows NT 5, Windows NT 4) Price
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We set up the ScanMaker X6 without documentation to guide us: we plugged in the AC power and connected the parallel cable to our PC. Then, with the scanner turned off, we installed the drivers, optical character recognition (OCR) software, and ScanSuite software from the CD-ROM. We restarted Windows and turned on the scanner, and Windows automatically completed the installation. The entire setup process was flawless.
To test the scanner, we placed a color photo on the scanner bed, started a paint application, and selected Acquire from the application's File menu. The ScanMaker driver software started automatically, allowing us to select the scanning options. We chose 600 dpi with millions of colors and clicked the mouse for a preview scan. We used the ScanMaker software to crop the preview image and then clicked the mouse for a full scan. The full scan took less than a minute and contained unwanted moiré patterns.
We repeated the scan, this time specifying a descreening option. Shortly thereafter, we were treated to beautiful results: the moiré pattern had disappeared entirely. It was impossible to distinguish this scan from a scan of the same photograph made on a much more expensive professional scanner.
To test the OCR software, we started ScanSuite, clicked the OCR button, and set the options for 300 dpi and for output to Microsoft Word. We scanned a high-contrast, multicolored promotional flyer overlaid with black text. After scanning, the OCR software processed and converted the scan to Word's .doc format. We opened the Word file to mixed results. The OCR software had mistaken every red bullet in the original as "4m" or "4o," and it had placed line breaks in unexpected places. However, the software had read all the text, and there were no outright typographical errors.
Given the ScanMaker's easy setup, good scans of photographs, and friendly ScanSuite software, we think this is an excellent scanner for the price.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight, durable design
- Good suite of software
Cons:
- Cumbersome to use with some applications
- OCR software produces mixed results
| PLATFORM: | Windows NT, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows NT 5, Windows NT 4 |
| CATEGORY: | Electronics |
| MANUFACTURER: | Microtek |
| FEATURES: | Parallel connectivity, True 36-bit color, 12-bit grayscale, True 600 x 1,200 dpi, 9,600 dpi enhanced resolution, FlexScan lid for scanning 3-D objects, Zero-reflection technology |
| TYPE: | Scanners, FlexScan lid, detachable, flexible, Interface, connection, port, X6, Scan Maker, ScanMakerX6, Scanner (Flatbed, Flat bed) |
| MEDIA: | Electronics |
| MPN: | 1108-03-410010 |
| # OF MEDIA: | 1 |
| ACCESSORIES: | |
| UPC: | 793111280972 |
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Customer Reviews of Microtek ScanMaker X6 Flatbed Scanner (Parallel)
XP Updated Drivers work I concur with the prior reviews. The Scanmaker X-6 was a nice functional product for it's time, but I really had trouble getting it to install and run in Windows 98. After a couple of frustrating sessions, I got it to work (the included software Dynacion Swiss Army Knife did the trick) and it has worked well for several years. The already mentioned quirk of not recognizing the scanner unless it is turned on at computer system boot up was the biggest annoyance.
I just upgraded to Windows XP and the scanner was obviously not compatible. Went to Microtek's site and downloaded the updated software drivers. First install attempt ... the install program crashed. Waited a couple of days. Second attempt... install program ran, but then on reboot got a can't find some kind of .dll file message. Uninstalled the scanner and reinstalled. Third time.. ran install (setup.exe program in Disk 1 of download) again and it worked perfectly. Set up and ran on reboot.
Scan quality is still good... not as good as new scanner and is relatively slow (Extended parallel port EPP Interface), but also $100-$200 cheaper than buying a new scanner.
Good product, finicky "not so hot" to "crummy" install software. Nonexistent support from company other than downloads. I'm not an expert software, computer guy, just persistent and did get it to work. I'm using it with XP ... also works well with XP control panel scanner icon and software... but will probably upgrade to better scanner in next few months (Apr 2004 post)
Excellent scan quality, sluggish speed
I've had this scanner for about 3 years now. It has worked perfectly in Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. I mainly use this scanner for photographs. The scan quality is excellent, as evidenced by correct tonal reproduction. You can even scan 3D objects by placing them on the scan bed, effectively getting a digital camera quality image. The only downside is speed. This scanner features a parallel port connection, which severely cripples its performance potential. Basically, if you need an all-around quality scanner to be used for occasional scans, look into it.
A LEMON FOR SURE
I have had the same software problems as the other reviewers, and have had a terrible time with this scanner. Also, like the other reviewers, I consider the scan quality of this scanner to be excellent but unfortunatly I am seldom able to make it work. The software is for win 95 but did not work properly even with that version of windows, and with Windows 98, its almost out of the question, though I have been able to use it a few times. (hehe) I think that if 13 out of 13 reviews say theres software problems, that as a minimum its time for the buyer to beware, and perhaps even time for a refund or exchange from Microtek.