Collecting scanners

Yesterday I placed an order for my competitor’s scanner. Why did I do this? I have no interest in looking at their software; I want to try out their scanner driver and make ReceiptWallet work with the scanner so that users can switch to ReceiptWallet. That got me thinking about my collection of scanners and what I need to add to it.

  • Fujitsu ScanSnap 5110 EOXM
  • DocketPORT 465
  • Pentax DSMobile 600 (currently at Apple)
  • IRISScan Express (sitting in the original box)
  • EPSON Perfection 1250
  • HP OfficeJet 6110xi

So when I add my competitor’s scanner, that will total 7 scanners. I need to get a newer EPSON (one that has Intel native drivers) as well as a newer HP. While I still don’t recommend EPSON or HP scanners, I can at least try to make them work better.

Do I really want all these scanners? No, but in order to make ReceiptWallet more compatible with a wide variety of scanners (many with broken drivers), I have to add to my collection.

4 Replies to “Collecting scanners”

  1. I figure you are talking about NEAT Receipts? I read a review a while back, and they said it was proprietary drivers and stuff, but I\’m not sure on this new one.

  2. It would appear that the Mac version uses the ICA framework. I’m going to give it a try as I need to know for myself if I can get it to work. If I can’t get it to work, I’ll have another $100 scanner sitting on the shelf collecting dust!

  3. Your recommended scanner list is pretty darned miniscule.

    On the other hand, I understand. My Epson drivers suck less than Canon drivers, but that’s the best that can be said.

    I think we need Apple to return to “branding” devices, and selling them at a premium price with Apple device drivers. Nobody else seems to be able to write a device driver for an OS X device.

    Do you have any better ideas?

  4. I’ve actively been dealing with scanners for over a year and a half and unfortunately the only ones that work well are the ones I recommend; the list is short, but that’s the state of things. Until scanner vendors treat Mac users like first class citizens, we’ll not going to see anything better.

    I don’t want to see Apple brand devices, but I would like Apple to stop selling scanners/all-in-one devices from vendors that have crappy drivers. I have been told that the situation may get better for one scanner vendor, but we’ll see if/when that pans out.

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