Acer 320U Flatbed Scanner
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- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Scanner Type: Flatbed Scanner
- Optical Resolution: 300 dpi
- Max. Resolution (Hardware): 300 x 600 dpi
- Platform: PC
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Once you figure out the software....
Pros
cheap, easy
Cons
software is complex
Recommended it?
Yes
Once you figure out the software, this is a simple, foolproof scanner for the home user. It is not particularly fast, but unless you are scanning on a regular basis, who cares.
For me, scanning pictures now and then, it works just fine. (My picture on my epinions home page was scanned with the Acer 320U)
I must admit, however, that it took several hours of trial and error to figure out the software.
The software is, I am sure, what computer magazines call "intuitive." This means that it is simple for a twelve year old, but very complicated for a 45 year old with an advanced degree.
Once I figured out what all the various options in the software could do, and focused on the few that I actually need, it works fine. (The software is Mirascan, and Ulead PhotoExpress)
The scanner has a few quirks that could be easily fixed, in my opinion. First, there could be a simple schematic that tells you which end to put in the scanner, if you want that end to appear "up" in the scan. I seem to have to figure this out each time I use the scanner.
Second, there should be an instruction to tell you which corner to start your scan from, on the scanner bed. Since most people are familiar with copier beds, why not use the same type of guides that copiers use. Now that would be intuitive!
This is a low end scanner, based on the price I paid. But it performs well, and has plenty of resolution for photographs, and other high resolution items. The only place I have found problems is if I am trying to enlarge something. Sometimes, the image will become grainy, in enlargement situations. Higher resolution- more pixels- would reduce that problem.
With a computer package, a scanner like this becomes nearly free with the rebate. I paid $79, and then got a $50 rebate from Acer, I believe. I must say however, that I had to wait months for my rebate, so be prepared if you are counting on the rebate check. I also recommend keeping a copy of everything you send in on the rebate, as well as a record of the date, in case you have to call for follow-up. In this case, Acer's rebate processing company was changed, and they lost my rebate. I had to resubmit everything to get my rebate, after waiting for three or four months for the check.
For me, scanning pictures now and then, it works just fine. (My picture on my epinions home page was scanned with the Acer 320U)
I must admit, however, that it took several hours of trial and error to figure out the software.
The software is, I am sure, what computer magazines call "intuitive." This means that it is simple for a twelve year old, but very complicated for a 45 year old with an advanced degree.
Once I figured out what all the various options in the software could do, and focused on the few that I actually need, it works fine. (The software is Mirascan, and Ulead PhotoExpress)
The scanner has a few quirks that could be easily fixed, in my opinion. First, there could be a simple schematic that tells you which end to put in the scanner, if you want that end to appear "up" in the scan. I seem to have to figure this out each time I use the scanner.
Second, there should be an instruction to tell you which corner to start your scan from, on the scanner bed. Since most people are familiar with copier beds, why not use the same type of guides that copiers use. Now that would be intuitive!
This is a low end scanner, based on the price I paid. But it performs well, and has plenty of resolution for photographs, and other high resolution items. The only place I have found problems is if I am trying to enlarge something. Sometimes, the image will become grainy, in enlargement situations. Higher resolution- more pixels- would reduce that problem.
With a computer package, a scanner like this becomes nearly free with the rebate. I paid $79, and then got a $50 rebate from Acer, I believe. I must say however, that I had to wait months for my rebate, so be prepared if you are counting on the rebate check. I also recommend keeping a copy of everything you send in on the rebate, as well as a record of the date, in case you have to call for follow-up. In this case, Acer's rebate processing company was changed, and they lost my rebate. I had to resubmit everything to get my rebate, after waiting for three or four months for the check.
