Tech Tuesday - ScanSnap

Several months ago, I requested recommendations for a new scanner. I was basically looking for a scanner that would do everything, including sing and dance. After evaluating my needs, what the equipment I presently own can do, and shopping around, I ended up with the Fujitsu Scansnap S1300. It arrived on Friday.

What convinced me to purchase this little gem were recommendations from Becky Wiseman over at Kinnexions and Denise Barrett Olson of Moultrie Creek Gazette. While the ScanSnap doesn't "do it all", it does a lot and it does it fast. It will scan any size document up to legal size, 2 sides in one pass, turn it into a searchable PDF and it's portable.

There is a document management program called Rack2-Filer that comes with the ScanSnap that looks like it could be pretty helpful. I just need some time to figure it out. If anyone has had any experience with Rack2-Filer, I'd love to hear from you.

We are hopeful here in the Goodrum household that the ScanSnap can help us tame the paper tigers - genealogy and other! So far I am pleased. I'll keep you posted.


Disclaimer: I am not affiliated or in any way associated with Fujitsu. I purchased the ScanSnap with my own money. These opinions are solely my own.

Tech Tuesday-A Magic Wand for your Genealogy

A while back I read about this thing called the Magic Wand by Vupoint Solutions over at Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter. It's a hand held scanner that fits into your purse, briefcase or maybe even your coat pocket. After reading the reviews and noticing that several individuals were using it for genealogy, I decided I had to have one and ordered it.


I've now had the opportunity to use it on several research trips and have fallen in love with my new portable scanner. This has opened the door for paperless research for me. That's right; no more photocopies. Plus the Magic Wand is way faster than any photocopier. While researching in several books this summer, I've used the Magic Wand to scan the book covers, title pages and whatever interior material is of interest. I can remain seated with my research material so there is no more running back and forth to the copier, which saves a ton of time.

The only possible drawback I have been able to find is that a steady hand is really important. So if you are trying to scan something that you want a super image of, the Magic Wand may or may not work for you depending on how steady your hand is. However, for the copies where I am just after the information, it's perfect, fast, and there are no pieces of paper to keep track of when I leave.

Here's an example of a scan and a picture of the Magic Wand. The scan has not been edited. That's what was scanned with the Magic Wand and uploaded to my computer.









[I have no affiliation with VuPoint and have not been paid or received anything to write this testimonial. I'm just a GeneaGeek who spent her own money on a new toy tool that she loves.]

© 2010, copyright Michelle Goodrum

Scanner Recommendations Anyone?

I could really use a new scanner.  Or maybe I just want something newer with more bells and whistles.  I don't know.  I've been asking around for recommendations and good ol' Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers had a great idea:  write a blog post asking for recommendations.  So here goes. 

I'm looking for a scanner that will:

• Scan documents (up to 8.5 X 14 would be nice but is not absolutely necessary).
• Scan photos.
• Scan slides (I have lots and lots of slides so I would like something that will scan more than 4 at a time which is what mine does now).
• Scan negatives in various sizes. So I will need appropriate templates.
• Oh yes, and I need OCR

Maybe I need more than one device - like a flatbed and one of those fast little negative scanners.  I'm pretty much open to and would appreciate any suggestions!  I'm looking forward to hearing from you.