Text By: SuperAdaptoid
In the Low-To-No Vision world of work and study portable personal laptop computing, deck scanning hardware with optical character recognition [OCR] software takes on new meaning as a necessity. Public access to accessible computing equipment resources ... is still like useing a public telephone. When you need one ... they are always in use.
As desktop computers have made the transition to laptop, adaptive hardware has followed [slowly]. Small hand-held scanners with OCR sogtware were available before computers were pirtable. However, these early products were not designed to be operated by persons with vision and fine-motor limitations.
Aware that there is a need, each year the market slowly evolves to address and respond to the disability market demands. Attempts at portable [flat-bed] deck scanners have disappeared again. However, there is hope again ... coming from Logitech. This is a little history of Logitech Corp.
HP [Hewlett Packard] is the "standard" in desktop [flat-bed] deck scanners. Logitech has become a leader in small scanners and mouse technology. Now with the arrival of Lap-Top Computing This year's choice for a portable flat scanner that "Fits In A Bag" and "Works With A Laptop" is [yet another] review and recommendation for the Logitech's ... PageScan at $395.00. You can visit Logitech's Home Page to have a look.
Unlike previous versions of Logitech hand-scanner Technology the PageScan has both a single sheet feed and flat [book] surface feed. No more hand-scan-control problems for the disabled. The OCR has the improved document management. No-longer black-and-white ... this one does color images. There is more information at Logitech's PageScan Description Page.
Small, light-weight enough, to fit easily into a back pack, book bag, or laptop case. Logitech has several different scanners and configurations. The Logitech Ominpage is an excellent OCR. It places data into any type file you specify, including spreadsheets and tables. Blending with most word processor type-face. Logitech has both the PC and MAC products. For additional information, PC magazine reviewed the PageScan.
There is no way to compare a portable against a standard desktop [HP] type flat-deck-scanner. However there is no easy way to carry a desktop. Neither is there a way evaluate durability and longevity between the two systems. Relative costs are now less than $100.00. When combined with [486, & higher], laptop and speech output, both are viable for blind, low vision, and some restricted physical mobility.
Logitech Comspec OnLine Electronic Catalogue
Product Category: LOGITECH Catalog and Order
Entry System Main Index of Mfg Catalogs
Comspec Home Page.
LOGITECH Inc.
PAGESCAN $395.00
Phone Number: 1 800 231 7717