Microtek ScanMaker 5700----A Scanner to Drool Over
Written: May 07 '01 (Updated Aug 16 '01)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Compatible with both PC and Mac users. Great looking scanned photos and documents produced.
Cons: Difficult to learn how to use all it's features and functions. Costly.
The Bottom Line: Expensive but great scanner. Everything you could want in a scanner with many features. Good assortment of software included to get the ball rolling!
|
|
|
| bluehawq's Full Review: Microtek ScanMaker 5700 Flatbed Scanner |
Not cheap. But the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 does produce high quality images.
As my husband wondered what it was that he would get me for our anniversary, he quickly came to the conclusion that something computer related would do the trick. And he was correct on his thinking.
My husband recalled my constant whining and complaining about the old scanner that I struggled with as I tried to scan photos or documents. The quality of my scanned treasures took away the desire to share them with my family or any of my friends. There were few features to enhance with or to do much else with. This Microtek ScanMaker 5700 is without a doubt, the perfect gift.
A very nice feature about the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 is the fact that it is compatible with PC or Mac users alike. As a matter of fact, Microtek boasts this scanner as having the most available features or functions on the market today for Mac users. If this is true, that in itself is worth the price.
I don't use a Mac though and considering that, I still have to say that the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 is right up there in features and capabilities as with the big dogs. The only complaint that I have is the fact that it takes some getting used to. It is not a simple gadget to master and being a novice at these sort of things, it has been difficult for me. But once you learn one thing, it is easier after that.
Features:
The Microtek ScanMaker 5700 is very nice looking and sits itself nicely in an average scanner spot on your computer desk. Note: The Microtek ScanMaker 5700 does seen a tad thicker than most. At least it was in comparing with my old one. So you will need to consider that when positioning it under a shelf on your desk. The lid will naturally lift to a higher level.
The top has a good slot for slipping your hand in the raise the top. Nice color (average) and not too heavy (about 10.5 pounds). A word here about the lid. In the slot where you put your hand to lift the lid, it seems to have a slightly larger gap that allows dust to form on the scanning surface. Be sure to clean it regularly. And please do not use a regular window cleaner. Invest in a solution designed for cleaning scanners, computer screens, and television screens. You could really mess up if you do not.
Files will be just about 1/10 that of uncompressed files. It will file away your creations the way you made them to look. It does not matter what fonts you used or what software or operating system that you used either. You may also view these files on Acrobat Reader with any platform.
It has great ORC features as well. You can save color images within documents. It will also retain in complex formatting such as .rtf or .xls. The Microtek ScanMaker 5700 can scan multiple slides and filmstrips. It has an integrated transparency adapter. With the filmview transparency previewer, you can see what you are scanning right through the top of the lid. That is pretty neat too. Imagine looking at what is being scanned while you are scanning it!
Some other neat features included with the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 is the ability to share photos by e-mail or online photo sharing web site. With one click! Software is included for this and I will list it in the included software.
The picture on my profile page was scanned using this scanner. It was really a dull, grainy photo. But the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 made it look much more presentable. I think that it did a stand up job.
What came with my Microtek ScanMaker 5700 scanner?
Here is a list of software that will be included with the scanner. This really helps you justify the price tag.
1. Ulead PhotoImpact Bundled Edition
2. Ulead PhotoExplorer
3. Microteck Scan, Copy and E-mail Utilities
4. Microteck ScanWizard 5 with integrated OCR with PDF functions.
5. Kodak DS Color Management
6. Trellix Web Microteck edition
7. Abbyy FineReader Sprint OCR
8. Adobe Acrobat Reader
9. Adobe Photoshop LE
The only problem with some of this software is the fact that it is for PC (only) users. Only #'s 3,4,5,8 and 9 are compatible with Mac
Hardware that is included with the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 is PCI (Six-pin) FireWire card (PC only), Six-pin FireWire cable, USB cable, and a power adapter. There is also an integrated 4" x 5" transparency adapter with FilmView included.
A few specs.
The interface type is the FireWire IEEE 1394 and USB. The scan area measures 8.5 x 11 (reflective) and 4 x 5 (transparency). There is an interpolated resolution that is unlimited. For PC users, you will need to have 64MB of RAM and a recommended 128MB. Pentium PC or later and a USB port and Window 98 or 2000. You will need an available PCI slot or FireWire port. Mac user needs are about the same expect you will need iMac/G3/G4 and a Mac OS 9.0 or later.
The image sensor is a single 10,600 linear array CCD element. It uses 110 volt plug and has a chassis lock. It definitely takes me less time to scan a 4 x 5 photo now that it did with my old scanner. This one scans at 300/600 dpi.
Bit depth is true 42, internal and output. Single color pass. Optical resolution is 2400 x 1200. The Microtek ScanMaker 5700 has 5 soft touch smart buttons. They are: scan, OCR, scan to web, e-mail, and copy. Very easy to use once you learn the ropes and how to's.
How easy was installation?
Hooking the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 scanner up was very simple. Hook it up to your USB just like you would any other scanner. The software was easily installed as well. It pretty much runs itself with easy guides and a few clicks here and there. As I stated before, the most difficult aspect of this scanner is learning to operate all it's great functions and features.
My husband would not indulge me with the price he paid. He told me that it pretty much chewed up a $450 dollar bill. So, I would assume that he paid pretty much that. I can't be exact. I know that I have seen the Microtek ScanMaker 5700 go for as much as $525 and as little as $489. So just shop around and you will find your own good deal.
Today, I rescanned my pet rooster picture. It turned out very well. Much better than it was. With less effort on my part in relation to scanner settings. I am impressed and happy with my Microtek ScanMaker 5700. I'm sure you would be too.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 489. ?
Interface: USB
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
bluehawq
|
 - Top 100 |
|
Member: Audrey
Location: Arkansas
Reviews written: 257
Trusted by: 726 members
About Me:
Jitterz on WoW Anub'arak server. For the Alliance
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.