The RC800 is a full color, 24-bit scanner in a compact, lightweight form that provides a convenient way to scan full page documents on-the-go.  With the included 128 MB memory card, the RC800 can store many pages into memory with each page only taking a few seconds to scan.  Using the on-board controls, you can select B&W/Color/24-Bit Color and 100 / 400 dpi resolution. 

Where other portable scanners can scan a few lines, the RC800 can scan full pages in full color.  With the additional memory card storage and rechargeable battery, it is completely portable.  To scan a document, simply select the scanning options using the on-board control and glide the RC800 over the document to be scanned.  Wait for the RC800 to indicate that the image is saved and you can proceed to the next document.  While the RC800 is simple to use, it does take a fair amount of practice before you can achieve consistent results.  The document to be scanned cannot move during the scanning and the gliding motion of the RC800 must be smooth and even.  If you glide the RC800 too quickly, a red LED will indicate that you need to slow down.  Also, the thickness of the paper and density of the text will greatly affect the image quality.

Once you have scanned your documents into the RC800, you can use the DocuPen software to transfer the images to your computer.  PaperPort SE OCR software is included so you can convert the scanned documents into normal computer application files that can be edited.  Since PaperPort SE is a very standard program for scanners, we will not cover it in this review.  You can find many reviews of PaperPort SE on the web.

On the top is an example of a paper scanned on an Epson All-In-One printer with a flatbed scanner.  The document is printed on very thin paper with a low ink density.  The scanner was set to medium quality.  On the right is the same document scanned with the RC800.  The resolution is generally good, but the paper and ink made it difficult for the RC800 to get a clear image, although PaperPort Se was able to convert the image without any problem.

Again, on the top image we have a magazine page at medium quality scanned on the Epson All-In-One printer.  On the bottom is the page scanned with the RC800 set at 24-Bit color and high resolution.  The text is readable and the photos are very close to the original in color reproduction and clarity.

The RC800 is very good at scanning photos, but text quality will vary greatly depending on the document paper, ink quality, and ink brightness.  Keep in mind that the RC800 has a maximum resolution of 400 dpi so most text will not appear as sharp and clear as the original, but they should convert in PaperPort SE with few problems.  The smooth, even motion of the RC800 over the document will also have a significant affect on the image.  The RC800 works well with single, flat pages, but has difficulty with magazines and books due to the spine and the curving of the pages caused by the spine.  This makes it difficult to glide the RC800 smoothly and evenly over the page.

The RC800 has only two buttons.  One for power on and selecting resolution.  The other for selecting color mode.  The top panel has Led’s to indicate the different modes as well as speed error, memory access, and battery level.  Scanning will begin automatically when the rollers start moving over the paper.  Since the RC800 does not have any display or scan quality indicator, there is no way to know if the scan you made is good.  So if the item to be scanned is important, I would suggest that you can it at least a couple of times to make sure you have at least one good scan until you become proficient at using the RC800.

The RC800 Executive kit provides a complete solution for the RC800.  With a microSD memory card to supplement the internal memory, a rechargeable power pack for charging the RC800 as well as other devices compatible with the various included adapters, memory card reader, USB cable, and a leather carrying case, it has everything you need to start using the RC800.  I only had two problems with the accessories.  Using the microSD card straight out of the box in the RC800 and then trying to put it into the memory card reader gave me “cannot read” errors even though it stored images and read from the RC800 without any problem.  I would recommend formatting the microSD card on your computer using the memory card reader before inserting it into the RC800.  The second problem was the leather carrying case.  Although a nice case, it is slightly too small and makes a tight fit for the RC800.  I usually found myself struggling to get the RC800 out of the case.

The RC800 Executive Kit provides a complete solution for anytime, anywhere portable scanning.  With its portable and simple to use form, it can provide document scanning for anyone that needs to “Scan Anything, Anywhere, Anytime”.

PROS
Simple to Use
Includes all the accessories you need
Good quality scanned image
Compact, portable size

CONS
Expensive
Tight-fit Leather Case
Takes practice to get a good scan
No way to know if the scan is good until transfer

Reviewed by: Harvey Lee, Senior Technology Editor

 
Model: DocuPen RC800 Executive
Price: $299.00 to $399.99

http://www.planon.com/executive_kit.php