Good hardware, but use other software! (Umax Astra 4000U)

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Product:	Umax Astra 4000U
Date:	07.10.01 (226 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great quality of scanning, reasonable price, MAC and PC

Disadvantages: Large dimensions, low productivity, week software

The body of this scanner has rather impressive dimensions. A little strangely on rather traditional body looks the bright orange plank of the holder of cover; under which right edge is located the transport clamper. The cover is lifted up and is fixed in a vertical position; if necessary it easily can be raised above a surface of a table or to remove. On center of a forward board the indicator is located. On a back board are present the interface plug USB, plug miniDIN for connection a slide-module (optional), and also the standard plug IEC-320 for connection of the energy cable, near to which is setting the switch of a power.

There is next software in a package:
- the program of management of scanning VistaScan 3.52 (PC/Mac),
- VistaShuttle 1.00 (PC),
- utility for copying on the printer Copy Utility (PC),
- Presto PageManager Deluxe 4.20 (PC) /2.31 (Mac),
- graphic editor ImageFolio LE (PC),
- OCR system PageType (PC),
- Caere OmniPage LE (PC/Mac) and Recognita Standard (PC),
- graphic editor Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE.

After installation of the software package from an enclosed CD and reboot of a system in System Tray there is an icon of the scanner, with pressing on which by the right button of mouse it is possible to call the context-sensitive menu. From it the help loads the programs VistaScan, Vista Shuttle, Copy Utility, the test of the scanner is initiated and the window of management of a lamp is called.

For management of scanning the program VistaScan 3.52 is used which can function independently or as the TWAIN-driver. It the interface has two modes switched by large buttons in a top of the window: for the beginners and experienced users.

Connection of the scanner and installation of the software have passed without any difficulties. Before installation of the scanner it is necessary to unblock the transport clamper. The use of a built-in power unit and equipment standard plug allows
if necessary easily to connect the scanner to a UPS.

The scanner works is rather noisy, especially in case of scanning with the low resolution.

Umax Astra 4000u has shown an excellent quality of scanning. It is necessary to mark good parameters of an actual resolution, low level of noise on a received image, and also the exactitude of colors.

The productivity of Umax Astra 4000u has appeared rather low. Nevertheless it is necessary to mark that, despite of a little bit disappointing outcomes, the hardware of this scanner has a large potential, which can be uncovered, using the software of other manufacturers, for example SilverFast from LaserSoft Imaging.

Summary: