By flung
8/14/2002
WhiningDog.NET

1. Introduction

When AJump.com approached me to do a review of a mobile scanner, my initial thoughts were "what do I know about scanners let alone mobile scanners?" Truth is, I don't know a whole lot about scanners except that I use them to scan my rebates from CompUSA! Then it hit me - I realized that I might be a good example of a typical user for this mobile scanner instead of a high end graphics user that may opt for a high resolution flatbed scanner. I generally use scanners to archive and copy documents and to digitize photographs. The thought of testing a mobile scanner became all the more enticing since I also use a laptop a good deal, Thus I agreed to take a look at the Syscan SC-2300-U TravelScan Pro Mobile Scanner.

1.1 Corporate Background

A little background on Syscan: They were founded in 1995 and was previously known as ScanVision Inc. They have primarily focused on Digital Imaging using CMOS CIS (Contact Image Sensor) technology. Syscan builds CIS modules as well as digital imaging devices that you these CIS modules. You can find more information about the company at: http://www.syscaninc.com/en/aboutsyscan/corporate.htm

1.2 Scanner Technology

Since I had very little knowledge on scanner technologies, the whole notion of CIS and CCD was a bit over my head initially. CIS devices use a series of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce white light that is then placed as a single row very close to the target image. CCD devices use mirrors and lenses to capture the target image. CCD based scanners have a slight edge in output quality but CIS devices can often house their components in a single scan head thereby making the scanners smaller than CCD based scanners.

2. Scanner Details

2.1 Specifications

The scanner's specifications are as follows:

2.2 The Scanner and Contents

The packaging for the TravelScan Pro is a pretty straightforward box. The contents come of course with the scanner, a pouch you can put the scanner in, a CD with software drivers and scanner applications, a calibration paper, a cleaning cloth, and a manual. The CD comes with a TWAIN driver for Windows 98 and Windows 2000. The Windows 2000 TWAIN driver will work with a Windows XP Professional based system.

The Box	Open Sesame
Contents	Contents again

The inclusion of the pouch was a very nice touch by Syscan. If they did not include this pouch, I highly doubt anyone would have complained since it's not something you'd normally expect. However, since they do include this pouch it makes you think about how many other mobile devices there are that do not come with their own enclosure or housing, let alone a travel pouch. Good job Syscan!

The pouch	Ready to go

Since the TravelScan Pro is already a low profile scanner, you'll find that you won't really be carrying all that much more weight with your laptop. I was able to easily place the scanner into my laptop bag along with my Thinkpad and carry it around without making my shoulders pay for that.

You might have noticed that I made no mention of an AC adapter. The TravelScan Pro scanner does not use an AC adapter to power its electronics. It takes it's power off of the USB line which is music to my own ears. That's one less AC adapter to keep track of in your laptop bag which is something you'll be thankful for if you carry a lot of things.

Length	Width	Depth

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