Visioneer 6200 USB Scanner

To set up the 6200, we plugged in two cables, loaded the speedy and clearly explained software, and started scanning right away. (The user's guide covers all the bases simply, and we recommend reading the guide for trouble-free installation. For example, it explains the need for installing the PaperPort software before connecting the scanner to the computer, without which the installation will not be complete).

We liked that the top of the scanner can be lifted or removed to accommodate books, bound documents, and more substantial items. One-button operation and fairly intuitive on screen instructions, combined with the legible user's guide, made us feel proficient with the scanner quickly. We could drag and drop documents and images instantly onto linked applications, edit photos quickly, and use OCR (optical character recognition) to automatically convert scanned documents into editable text. The PaperPort Deluxe software provided crisp onscreen images and helped us manage a variety of scanned documents and images. MGI PhotoSuite II SE provided easy-to-understand templates to create calendars, brochures, and business stationery.

Highly portable at under 6 pounds, the unit readily slips out of the way to make more space. The Visioneer 6200 USB scanner is packaged with application software on CD-ROM, a USB cable, an installation guide, and a power jack. --Barbara Price

Pros:

• Light and compact with an unusual back hinge
• Removable cover for scanning thickly bound works
• Easy plug-and-play setup and operation

• Basic utilities
• No film scanner

The software bundle includes PaperPort Deluxe, MGI PhotoSuite II SE, PaperPort Links, and PictureWorks PhotoEnhancer. The Paperport Deluxe software gives you crisp onscreen images and helps you manage all your documents and images. MGI PhotoSuite II SE provides high-quality templates to create calendars, business stationery, and more. PaperPort Links let you drag and drop documents and images instantly onto linked applications. PictureWorks PhotoEnhancer fully edits photos quickly and easily. TextBridge Pro 8 OCR automatically converts scanned documents into editable text. It converts tabular data into word processing documents, cell tables, or Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets. The Visioner 6200 USB scanner includes application software on CD-ROM, a USB cable, an installation guide, and a power supply.

It was real easy to install. The PaperPort Deluxe software is very good. The USB hookup works great because I don't leave mine plugged in all the time. The scanning resolution is awesome. If you scan in a photograph at maximum resolution, the file size will be huge. I usually scan stuff at a much lower resolution.

I haven't used the OCR capabilities or any of the other options. I like the price, I haven't had any problems with it, and it meets all my scanning needs.


My 3rd scanner - and this is the best one yet !!   October 30, 2000
A. J. Gnoza (Pensacola Florida area)
30 out of 30 found this review helpful

My very first scanner was a Visioneer "One Touch" - way back when - before they started adding model numbers to their products. It work just fine once I figured out how to get the pass through connector on the parallel port working properly. I used that scanner for probably 2.5 years and it worked flawless the entire time. In May I saw a sale on a Silitek flatbed scanner with a USB connection and bought it - trading my old Visioneer for some vintage fountain pens. The Silitek worked great except the software that came with it left a lot to be desired.

My newest scanner is a Visioneer 6200 scanner... this is awesome.. I had looked at the Visioneer 8100 at the same time and compared the two side by side. The only difference between the 2 is the 8100 has 3 panel buttons to complete the entire scanning process at the touch of a button - the 6200 has one button. The previous One Touch I owned also had the 3 buttons and I can honestly say in the time I had that scanner I maybe used the buttons a dozen times out of the 2000+ scans I made with that scanner. The 8100 also has USB and a parallel port vs the 6200 has just a USB connection. Other than those 2 items the scanners are identical in components and operation ( the 8100 has a black case and the 6200 is beige ) and they both come with the same software packages! I saved quite a bit of money opting for the 6200 vs the 8100.

The Paperport software that comes with the scanner is a nice package with a lot of features not found in other scanner packages - "descreen" is an option and if you are going to scan newspaper or magazine pictures this feature is a necessity! The OCR software leaves a lot to be desired - it does the basics but it won't retain proper formating in a scan of say a multi column document.

In summary the 6200 is one great scanner for the money - a lot of features and software in one package that could cost twice as much with some other name brand scanners.


Great for the novice...Super price   October 17, 2000
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

This scanner has got to be the easiest thing I have ever hooked up. Because of it being USB you can hook it right up without having to shut your computer down. Installing the software is just as easy.

What really impresses me is that the lids comes off for scanning bulky items. I list auctions and have had people email me asking what kind of camera I am using to get such a good pictures. They are very surprised when I tell them it is the Visioneer 6200.

It auto crops your scans, and will tell you to adjust the picture/object if it is crooked. I really haven't had much time to mess around to see what else it does but just from all of the configuration settings I would say there is alot more I am going to discover.

I say great for the novice, because if I can figure it out anyone can :)


A great scanner for the money!   October 28, 2000
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

After searching extensively for an inexpensive scanner, I decided to purchase the Visoneer 6200 because of its features-- USB connectivity, 42 bit color, 600x1200 scanning, and what appeared to be ease of use. The installation process was quick and easy and I was up and running in no time. This scanner included the USB cable which saved me additional money since I did not have to go out and purchase one. I have scanned mainly photographs and the results have been excellent. Once printed on a decent color printer with photo paper, it's hard to tell the difference from the original. The price is excellent on this scanner and an excellent value for the money. The instruction booklet could use some improvement.


BEWARE IF YOU RUN XP!   October 27, 2002
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Well, having recently upgraded to Windows XP, and having been otherwise quite happy with my Visioneer 6200 USB, I find that Visioneer's almost non-existent customer support gives me the following answer when trying to load the new driver required if you run XP on your system:

"Windows XP

Visioneer will not be applying for Windows XP logo for the scanners listed below, however these scanners will most likely still function properly.

Visioneer 6200"

CORRECTION: NO THEY WON'T! Apparently, they want me to fork over more money for another scanner rather than update the driver that many of their customers, like myself, will need in order to use it with XP. What a company! If they think I will ever buy another one of their products again, they are badly mistaken.

Shame on you, Visioneer! Stay away from these people, as they don't even have an email address for customer support.