A review of the C-Pen 800 C
Monday, March 15, 2004
By: Kurt von Behrmann
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The C--Pen 800 C
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What It Does:
For those unfamiliar with pen scanners, the concept behind them is simple. Instead of copying notes by hand and entering them into your computer via the keyboard, pen scanners offer a convenient way to capture, store and then retrieve information quickly. Think of it as the ultimate paperless solution for copying, storing, entering and retrieving text information. Some of these peripherals (like the C—Pen 800C) add the ability to capture and store information when you are away from your laptop and/or desktop system as well. Some models only work when connected to your computer.
THE REVIEW
A bit larger than a marking pen, but appreciably more aesthetically pleasing, the C-800C is a pen scanner that includes a surprising array of features. Diminutive in size only, C-Technologies’ top of the line pen scanner ships with an interesting set of functions that include space for a dictionary (or several), translation functions, a calendar, a clock, an alarm clock and storage capacity to name a few.
Business professionals, writers, students and others who must deal in detailed alphanumeric data can easily conceive of the practicality of these machines. As a time saver, and storage device for text, they offer a solution for computing on the go.
The big issue that pen scanners must face is that of accuracy. I have sampled units that were only average in this department. If you failed to hold the pen at the correct angle, or scanned too slowly, the device just copied gibberish. The actual set up, configuration and other attendant issues were also problem areas.
Fortunately, the C-Pen 800 C gracefully avoids those issues. The set up was literally flawless. It was easy. The 800C ships with a CD that includes video instructions. For devices like these, video demos are essential. Seeing the device in action along with audio and text information flattens the learning curve. It also is great for those who are hearing impaired having text to accompany the video.
Setting up the software involved placing the CD in the drive, loading the software and a reboot. For Windows XP users there are no issues involved in the installation of the software. The enclosed application software is version 3.24, which works with Windows XP. Should you not have that version, www.cpen.com maintains updates and other relevant software.
It terms of the “wow” factor, the 800C wins high marks. The subdued gold tone color augments the smooth flowing lines of the device. The dark blue gray color of the underside is a nice touch as well. As fitting the top of the line unit, this C-Pen has a fashion accessory, a genuine leather carrying case.
When it comes to scanning, the 800C is a gifted performer. Able to capture the notoriously difficult text found in newspapers, it was a more than a competent performer. The time between scans and the time you can see the text in the LCD window was brief. The accuracy level is very close to being 98 percent. I do strongly recommend watching the instruction videos first. Also giving the enclosed 130 page user guide a look is a very smart idea.
Powered by rechargeable batteries, the system comes to a full recharge in about two hours from empty. Interestingly enough the recharging system and the serial port line that allows for wired connection to computers are connected. They also share the same port on the pen itself. Doing this means the system has only one elegant hole for transferring data and recharging. The unit also has IR connectivity for wireless connections for devices so enabled.
In a break with most systems like this, the 800 C features a small button on the front that depresses to activate the scanner. This removes the need to depress buttons to start the scanning process. When you press the nose of the pen down, the scanner is started.
Once everything is set up, the ability to transfer data is as basic as using a hard drive. Even the menu on the 800C is clear. Though mono chromatic, it is legible and sensibly arranged. Once you master the key concepts of maneuvering, which become apparent in actual use, everything is user friendly. The small menu here is one of the few I have seen that is comprehensible. It is too bad Digital Camcorders and Digital Still Cameras are not outfitted with menus this direct as a rule.
Summation:
Smart looking, this Swedish Pen Scanner makes the process of capturing text easy. Accurate and fast, nearly anyone will be able to obtain excellent results. As richly featured as this devices is, I do question how practical some of the extras are. Due to the nature of this device, the size of the Argus Processor and built in memory, some features are cumbersome to use. Requiring both time, patience and a lot of button pushing, I am not sure that these extra functions offer that much. While it is admirable that this pen scanner can act as a mini PDA, it is for me too restrictive to do much more than store and retrieve data. While I do like the calendar function, alarm clock and address book, their usefulness could be called into question.
What is clearly not so dubious is the accuracy, speed and function of the scanner. This has to be the most accurate Pen Scanner I have ever used. In the important areas, this scanner has the essentials covered. I have no problem recommending this unit to anyone seeking a top of the line scanner.
For purchasing, availability, visit www.cpenusa.com for this product.
Details for the C-Pen 800 C
- Processor 72 MHz, Argus custom designed
- Reading Languages: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish
- Menu Languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch and Swedish
- Display LCD 64 by 200 pixels
- Stored pages up to 2000
- Alarm built in with buzzer
- Flash memory 8 MB
- Ram 4 MB
- Host environment, Windows, including XP and Mac support as a download.
- Battery built in NiMH rechargeable.
- IR Connection IrDA
- Weight 85g with included battery
- Size 140 by 35 by 20 mm