Microtek ScanMaker X6 Flatbed Scanner (Parallel)

Amazon.com Review
Get easy parallel connectivity and true 600 x 1,200 dpi scanning from the Microtek ScanMaker X6. It offers several advanced technologies to give you great scans of text, and of color and black-and-white images, all at an inexpensive price.

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

Product Description:
The Microtek ScanMaker X6 features one-button control for faxing, scanning, copying, and other features. Simply push the button, conveniently located on the front of the scanner, to launch Microtek's ScanSuite software, which controls the scanner's functions. The ScanMaker X6 also includes Color Enhanced Optimization, a process that automatically sets color calibration to ensure true-to-life reproduction. And MicroTek's Zero Reflection Design Technology blocks out any improper lighting to preserve the quality of your scan.Microtek installed a parallel interface port on the ScanMaker X6 that provides simple installation. Simply connect the scanner to your computer using the cable and let your Windows 95 operating system configure it for you. Supports 600 X 1200 DPI Maximum Optical Resolution.

Microtek ScanMaker X6 Flatbed Scanner (Parallel)

Microtek ScanMaker X6 Flatbed Scanner (Parallel)

Average customer rating:

XP Updated Drivers work
Excellent scan quality, sluggish speed
A LEMON FOR SURE
Decent scanner but terrible software
bum equipment

Microtek ScanMaker X6 Flatbed Scanner (Parallel)

Manufacturer: Microtek
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Flatbed | Scanners | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics

Flatbed Scanners | Printers & Scanners | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

Printers & Scanners | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Microtek | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Belkin F3U134-10 USB Extension Cable (10-Feet)
Monster Cable MP AV600 Power Protector
Monster PC700 Computer PowerCenter¿ with Surge Protection

Product Features:

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
Parallel connectivity

ASIN: B00000JFIX

Amazon.com Review

Get easy parallel connectivity and true 600 x 1,200 dpi scanning from the Microtek ScanMaker X6. It offers several advanced technologies to give you great scans of text, and of color and black-and-white images, all at an inexpensive price.

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

Amazon.com Product Description

The ScanMaker X6 is a 36-bit scanner that offers 600 x 1200-dpi high resolution, a push-button activator, and professional image quality. The new ScanMaker X6 provides affordable high-resolution 36-bit scanning in a compact, easy-to-use flatbed scanner. An integrated "GO" button on the front of the scanner launches Microtek's own ScanSuite software for simplified faxing, copying, image scanning, or a host of other features. This unit comes with an Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) PC interface.

Product Description

The Microtek ScanMaker X6 features one-button control for faxing, scanning, copying, and other features. Simply push the button, conveniently located on the front of the scanner, to launch Microtek's ScanSuite software, which controls the scanner's functions. The ScanMaker X6 also includes Color Enhanced Optimization, a process that automatically sets color calibration to ensure true-to-life reproduction. And MicroTek's Zero Reflection Design Technology blocks out any improper lighting to preserve the quality of your scan.Microtek installed a parallel interface port on the ScanMaker X6 that provides simple installation. Simply connect the scanner to your computer using the cable and let your Windows 95 operating system configure it for you. Supports 600 X 1200 DPI Maximum Optical Resolution.

Customer Reviews:

XP Updated Drivers work.......2004-04-22

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.......2002-05-24

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.......2001-07-10

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.

Decent scanner but terrible software.......2001-05-05

It scans pictures with pretty good quality for the price, I have no problem with that. In addition, you can use both printer and scanner with only one parallel port on the computer. It's a little tricky to get this to work right, you have to boot up in the right order (printer first, then scanner, then computer) but overall still pretty nice to use both devices with one port.

The downside to this scanner is the software. Basically, it's all garbage. The only piece I use is the TWAIN acquire software attached to my Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop to bring scanned pictures in. In addition, I have a terrible time reinstalling the drivers for this scanner whenever I unplug it from my parallel port. My CD-ROM chokes whenever I place the Microtek scanning CD in my CD-ROM. I had to download the latest drivers from the Microtek website instead.

My recommendation is: invest the extra money to get a newer, more current scanner with at least a DECENT software package. But buy the scanner for the scanning, not the software that comes with it.

bum equipment.......2001-03-25

I purchased a scanner from a store (best buy) in modesto, Ca. When I got home i found that the scanner was used. the cd was thrown in the box w/o protection nd it was dirty. the white cord was dirty. I took it back (60 miles round trip) and the store siomp[ly offered me another scanner and 25.00 in cash for my trouble. I then bought a scanmakerX6 (new) and took it home. It worked for awhile then stopped and my computer was really going down. I finally took my comp to a shop and they fixed it. I again tried to install the scan,maker x6 and more problems. IT WILL NOT WORK. my computer won't even rec it now. I want to send iut back to the co, but don't know how. Bob

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Electronics