Thanks for the scanner and OCR suggestions Josh. I will definitely check out
the Canoscan Lide 70. Also the Read Iris software sounds very promising and
not too expensive.
John
From: Josh de Lioncourt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS
Xby the blind <[email protected]>
To: General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by
theblind <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: scan and read system for Mac
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2007 07:57:34 -0700
Well, it seems to me she may need to decide whether cost or ease of use
matters most. For scanning of bills, leters, and magazine, I bought a
CanoScan LiDE 70 which came with OCR software for the Mac. The software
is very usable, but she will need sighted assistence to install it, as she
is a computer newby. Once it works, it works well if a little tricky at
first. One must use the VO command to click the mouse on the buttons and
such. If you are only doing a little scanning, like I am, it is perfect.
Scanned documents are saved as PDF files, which are extremely easy to read
with the Mac's built-in Preview program.
For more robust scanning, I think Red Iris is the better bet, based on
discussions on this list previously. I haven't personally used it, but
plan to eventually upgrade to it. Others will likely be able to give you
more information on that product. It sounds like OmniPage would be
overkill for her, IMO.
Josh de Lioncourt
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
...my other mail provider is an owl...
On Sep 5, 2007, at 12:48 AM, John Lee wrote:
Hi,
I just joined the list and have found the input by everyone to be very
helpful. I work at an assistive technology center in California and am
currently working with a client who is interested in getting a MacBook
with VoiceOver. She has limited computer experience and realizes that she
has a lot to learn. Ulitmately, she would like to use the computer for
email, Internet, and reading scanned materials, such as letters, bills,
magazines, etc. What are the best options for scan and read software for
Mac users these days? I realize that there is no Open Book or Kurzweil
1000 for the Mac. Is OmniPage Pro X for Mac the only viable OCR option
out there? Keep in mind we are talking about a very novice computer user
here, so the simpler the better. Also, which flatbed scanners are you
finding most effective? Canon LiDe? Ideally she'd like to get the whole
system, including laptop, scanner, and software, for under $2000 if at
all possible.
Thanks,
John
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