🚀 Scan Smart, Share Fast!
The Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 is designed for professionals needing high-quality scans of blueprints and documents. With a maximum scan size of 11.7" x 17" and a resolution of up to 1200 DPI, it offers exceptional detail and clarity. The scanner features an energy-efficient LED light source for quick warm-up times and includes a powerful software bundle for enhanced OCR accuracy and easy file sharing.
M**N
Great experience on an iMac with alternative VueScan software
I was surprised that since this scanner is listed as being for both PC and Mac, that the only included disc is for Windows. On PlusTek's website, I downloaded the Mac software for the OpticSlim 1180 scanner, which turned out to be a required driver for Mac, bundled with a user application called MacAction. You don't necessarily have to use MacAction, but you do have to run the installer anyway, in order to get the scanner driver installed, which only happens concurrently with the installation of MacAction. The MacAction user interface felt like running test software that hadn't been finished, but I found that an alternative called VueScan has a much more detailed, polished, and intuitive layout -- however there is a one-time license cost if you decide that you are going to use VueScan. The VueScan support technician helped me figure out that my 6-year-old iMac needs a 32-bit version of the VueScan installer instead of the 64-bit version. It works beautifully, and I've since run the first incremental upgrade that came out afterward, and it still works perfectly. I scan a lot of printed items such as magazines, which require a good Descreen option. I found that selecting 600 DPI in VusScan yields gorgeous Descreened results, and of course the scan can be saved afterward in Photoshop or other editing software if I need a final resolution other than 600 DPI. If you decide not to use MacAction, you may be annoyed that it added itself to autostart on your Mac every time that you power on, restart, or logon. To remove that autostart, click on System Preferences (the gear icon on the Dock) and then click on Users & Groups. Click the Login Items tab near the top of the dialogue box, and then you can click to highlight the startup item and click the minus sign to remove it. I think that PlusTek would get a ton of more sales and positive reviews from Mac owners if they could make a licensing arrangement with VueScan and include a Mac installer disc with their scanners.
L**S
Great for large-size scanning, super value, and the BEST tech support ever
I absolutely love this scanner. I have been working to diminish my stuffed file drawers by throwing away what I don't need and scanning what I want to keep. Some of the keepers were newspaper clippings and other larger items that my other scanner couldn't accommodate--other than scanning them in pieces. Thus began my search for a large-format scanner.Is this the best large-format scanner on the market? That depends on your criteria and how much you're willing to spend. Here's why it is the best for me.1) If you compare the prices of large-format scanners, this is an unbelievable bargain. If you're trying to scan fine art, it may not be what you need. For my purposes of having high-def, clear copies of precious but mundane items, it was a screamin' deal.2) This has a great user interface and is fairly intuitive and easy to use. It took me a little while (maybe 20-30 minutes) to figure out exactly how everything worked, which I consider not bad at all. It also has excellent instructions.3) It offers a lot of fine tuning, with options of color/BW, level of definition/dpi, JPG/PDF, etc.4) I initially couldn't get it to work and was ready to send it back. I called tech support, and I got a human. Not a human after a recorded menu. A real human answered the phone. The kind and knowledgeable tech support rep who answered the phone walked me through troubleshooting, and I discovered a huge, embarrassing, total rookie error. I hadn't fully plugged in the USB cable. The rep was totally kind about it.5) Most importantly, this scanner creates clear, high-quality scans. Yay! Mission accomplished.(If you found this review helpful, I'd really appreciate if you would click the "Helpful" button. Thanks so much for reading! Liz)
J**O
Huge but slim, easy to use
Installation of software only took a few minutes. I have an Acer intel core 15 with windows 10. Abbyy Finereader 12 Spint made a quick access folder on my desktop so I just click it open to start the software. The scanner is lightweight but takes a lot of desk space and needs to be by both an outlet and your computer. Once the power is on it’s a lift flap to put item to be scanned on the flatbed. You can remove the hinges if needed and they go back in easily.The software feels ancient with limited options such as only 300 dpi or 600dpi. There’s not a lot of adjustment except brightness. There is either black and white, grey, or color.You get the choice of previewing before scanning which is nice and you can place multiple pages into one scan (but you have to place them each on the flatbed individually). You can scan to make a pdf, an image pdf, an image file (mine makes jpegs), word, etc.I’m using this for my scrapbooks which are 12 by 12. I’m making digital files in a pdf format and have made some into jpegs. You lose some of the quality but they look decent. The files start getting pretty large so I’ll probably need a hard drive for back up and storage.I’ve uploaded some of the massive jpegs to Shutterfly. I’ll update on how the prints look considering this is def like taking a picture of a picture the uploading and then printing so we shall see how that looks.Overall I’m happy with the quality and ease of use. It does sound similar to a fax machine at times when it’s scanning. Def not a silent machine. I love the size and capability and everyone in my family is already begging to use it. I’m happy with the price point as well since I priced out a company to scan my scrapbooks and it was 2.99$ a page plus other fees. Ten years of scrapbooks would cost a small fortune so this has saved me a ton. Plus I prefer to have the control even though it’s a time investment.I’ll update with any issues or concerns as I continue to use the Plustwj OpticAlim 1180 scanner. Questions welcomed.
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2 days ago
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