The Bottom Line
- Compact size and lightweight.
- Does not require outside power source.
- Takes time to learn how to properly scan.
- Has a tendency to shut itself off when scanning or uploading.
- Requires a laptop or computer accessible to recharge batteries.
- Not certified for Mac Intel based machines.
- Cannot verify quality of scans without a computer.
Description
- Rechargeable lithium-Ion batteries.
- Expandable MicroSD memory slot.
- ScanSoft PaperPort SE-PC software included.
- Includes zippered sheep skin leather case.
- Dual roller guide system to make scanning easier.
- Uses optical registration to scan images and text.
- Can scan in black and white or color, standard or high 24bit color. Resolution from 100 to 400 dpi.
- Memory can hold up to 100s of pages.
- Scan full page widths.
Guide Review - Planon DocuPen RC8000 Color Handheld Scanner
Setting up the DocuPen RC8000 was easy, install the software first and then connect the scanner to your computer. Drivers are automatically installed and then you're ready to start scanning.
Not quite, before you begin any scanning, let the DocuPen stay connected to the computer to ensure that the battery is fully charged. If you don't give the scanner time to fully charge the batteries you will get easily frustrated when the DocuPen shuts itself off in the middle of a scan.
It took me numerous attempts and patience before I was able to successfully scan some pages. It is important to hold the page to be scanned so that it doesn't slip around. Scanning a page from a book was easier to attempt. The weight of the book helps hold it steady.
It will also take time to get a feel for how to hold the scanner as you move down a page. Move too quickly or press too firmly and you end up with a black page.
The scanner does have an LED which will blink if you are moving the scanner too quickly over a page. Unfortunately, you can't tell how well a scan turned out until you upload it to your computer. This can be a pain, especially if you don't have your laptop handy and need to take the time to re-scan the documents.
I really like the idea of a scanner this size and how convenient it can be, but the downsides of it turning itself off (even when connected to my laptop) and the learning curve to get usable scans can be frustrating. It does require an investment of time and effort to work.