We live in a digital age, so why do business cards refuse to die? They're a hassle to store and an environmental suck to produce. Plus, who among us has time to manually transcribe contact info into a phone, PDA, or PC?
Needless to say, I was geeked to try Business Card Reader, a $5.99 app that turns business cards into iPhone Address Book entries.
Specifically, BCR leverages your iPhone's camera to take a snapshot of a card, then uses built-in optical character recognition (OCR) to convert the image into text and populate the appropriate contact fields.
After snapping a photo, Business Card Reader scans the card and adds the data to a new contact.
That's the theory, anyway. In practice, BCR requires near-perfect lighting conditions and decidedly non-fancy cards to achieve reliable recognition.
Make no mistake: This is a terrific app, one I'd absolutely buy despite its limitations; it's just that handy. But let's not overlook those limitations.
For starters, it requires an iPhone 3GS. Older models lack the autofocus capabilities necessary for sharp close-ups (though you might be able to get by with one of those third-party macro lenses).
Next, while BCR does a decent job identifying names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers, in my tests it rarely got the company name right. Likewise, if a name included a middle initial, it placed that initial in the Last Name field and ignored the actual last name altogether.
It's also a challenge to get sufficient lighting while avoiding glare off the card itself--particularly if it's a glossy card. And what with all the fancy logos, layouts, and color schemes these days, it's no wonder BCR encounters its share of difficulties.
That said, when it works well, it's a thing of beauty, and it's a lot faster and easier to edit a few OCR mistakes than it is to manually enter the information.
I also like the app's option to look up a contact on LinkedIn and/or merge the scanned card data with an existing iPhone contact. Plus, it recognizes not only English, but also French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Another perk: the Card Holder view, which stores the actual scans in a slick-looking mock-leather "holder."
Business Card Reader may not be perfect, but it's about $150 less than a dedicated bizcard scanner--and it works right on your iPhone.
Have you found another card-scanning app you like better? If so, hit the comments and tell me about it!
Lexmark's X4650 multifunction printer works over Wi-Fi--or with the bundled USB cable.
(Credit: Wal-Mart)In the market for a new printer? Might as well get one that doubles as a scanner and copier. And one that works without wires.
Wal-Mart has the Lexmark X4650 wireless all-in-one printer for $59. Shipping will run you 97 cents, though you can skip that by opting for store pickup. Either way, plan on paying sales tax.
As most of you know, I hold Wi-Fi printers in the same high regard as chocolate-covered caramels and Jessica Alba. The X4650 connects to your Wi-Fi router for blissfully wireless printing and scanning.
Ironically, Wal-Mart bundles a 10-foot Tripp Lite gold-plated USB cable, just in case you're not planning to go the Wi-Fi route.
The X4650 offers dual-cartridge printing. If you want the best possible photo results, you can swap in a photo-ink cartridge for the black one and enjoy six-color output.
The downside is that, as with most inkjets, cartridges cost a pretty penny. Plan on dropping at least $25 for each replacement--a little less if you go the remanufactured route.
The printer supports all the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS X. Though it lacks fax capabilities, it can scan to your PC's fax modem (if it has one) and also offers a handy scan-to-e-mail option.
In short, it's a fairly basic multifunction printer, one that sold for $130 when it debuted about a year ago. CNET hasn't reviewed it, but the reviews I've seen elsewhere have been mostly positive. (The only real ding is relatively slow printing.)
In any case, $59 for a Wi-Fi-equipped all-in-one is a rare find. Definitely worth considering.
On Sale Now: $69.93 - $103.52
View the latest prices for Lexmark X4650
This flatbed scanner can be yours for 20 bucks--if you don't mind a mail-in rebate.
(Credit: Visioneer)Update: This appears to be sold out already. (Check back later and even tomorrow, as Newegg often gets replenished stock.) My apologies to those of you who get Cheapskate via e-mail, as it's occasionally out of date by the time you receive it. All the more reason to visit the site directly!)
Update #2: As of 1 p.m. ET today (Thursday), the scanner is back in stock! The code still works, and the rebate is still available.
Scanners are insanely handy. They can turn old snapshots into digital photos, archive paper documents electronically, turn any printer into a copier, and so on.
Alas, they're still on the pricey side, which is why I'm excited about this deal: Newegg has the Visioneer OneTouch 7400 flatbed scanner for just $19.99 shipped.
Note: that's after signing up for Newegg's free newsletter, applying coupon code EMCLXNN27 at checkout, and mailing in this $20 rebate form (PDF).
The OneTouch is a USB-powered scanner, meaning it requires no bulky AC adapter--just plug it in to your Windows-based PC (sorry, Mac users) and go.
It's extremely slim, measuring just 1.4 inches tall, and it sports five convenient one-touch buttons for various scan jobs: scan, copy, e-mail, OCR, and custom. The lid is hinged in such a way as to accommodate thicker items like books.
Visioneer bundles photo-editing software and Nuance's classic PaperPort, one of my all-time favorite apps. It provides a virtual filing cabinet for scanned documents, but also lets you drag and drop scans to various applications.
(I'm not sure which version of PaperPort comes with the OneTouch, but it's worth noting that the current version sells for $99.99.)
Although this is a new scanner, not a refurb, Visioneer's standard warranty is just 90 days.
That's kind of annoying. On the other hand, you're getting a full-featured flatbed scanner for the unheard-of price of 20 bucks. That's pretty tough to pass up!
Print, scan, and copy for $29. Do I need to say anything more?
(Credit: Dell)Multifunction printers are insanely handy. No more running to Kinkos every time you need to...
Wait a minute. This sounds familiar. Oh, right, I wrote up an MFP last Wednesday. But that deal on the Epson Workforce 500 all-in-one photo printer is long gone. And anyway, there was a rebate involved. Blech! Ptooey!
No rebates this time. Dell has the V105 multifunction printer for just $29 shipped. (You may have to pony up a couple bucks for sales tax.)
As you might expect, this is a fairly bare-bones model--but remember that it's more than just a printer. It also scans and copies (in color or monochrome) via a letter-size flatbed.
The V105 supports one tricolor and one black ink cartridge (replacements sell for around $20 apiece). You can also swap in a photo cartridge for your matte/glossy needs. However, and this is important, only the tricolor cartridge comes in the box. You can print without the black cartridge, but you'll burn through ink that much faster.
Speaking of photos, the V105 can produce borderless prints up to 5x7 inches. There's also a one-touch photo copy feature (for easily duplicating 4x6-inch prints).
Unsurprisingly, this model doesn't fax, nor does it support any connections other than USB. (Cable not included; here's a six-footer for $1.02.) It has no memory-card slots and no LCD preview screen. And the bundled software is Windows-only.
Still, $29 for an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier? I haven't found any substantial reviews of this model, but if you have simple print/scan/copy needs, this is a pretty low-risk investment.
By the way, this deal ends tomorrow, September 3--and it could easily sell out before then--so I'd click fast.
Multifunction printers are insanely handy. No more running to Kinkos every time you need to make a few copies or send a fax. And right now, OfficeMax has an insanely good deal on the Epson Workforce 500 all-in-one: it's $59.99 shipped.
Now, I know the headline says $39.99, so what gives? If you're willing to sign up for a MaxPerks account (it's free), you'll get a rebate in the form of a $20 prepaid VISA card, which is more or less the same as cash.
This fully loaded multifunction printer can be yours for just $39.99 (after an automated rebate).
(Credit: Epson)The Workforce 500 (which is new, not a refurb) features a 30-sheet auto document feeder, memory card slots for all the major formats, and a 2.5-inch color LCD for previewing photos before printing.
In addition to cranking out photos and documents, the Workforce can send and receive faxes and scan and copy anything that fits on its letter-size flatbed. It also comes with OCR software--a nice perk.
My favorite feature: individual ink tanks (one each for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). That cuts way down on ink waste, as you replace only those cartridges that need replacing.
The only missing ingredient is Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi connectivity. Alas, this model's USB only. (OfficeMax's product page mentions parallel as well, but that's a mistake. This isn't 1993.) See Epson's product page for full specs and details.
I haven't found many professional reviews of the Workforce 500, but the user reviews I've read have been mixed. The big complaint: The ink cartridges run out quickly.
Still, given that you're essentially getting a free multifunction printer for about the price of a set of cartridges, I think it's hard to argue with this deal. I may pick one up just so my kids can print and copy stuff.
(Credit:
Kyleakoch.com)
All right, this isn't the flatbed scanner we are more familiar with, but more rightfully a stand for the iPhone. What it does is let you take 8.5 x 11-inch documents on a fixed pedestal, so your snaps look consistent. It seems like a DIY project cobbled together given the detailed pictures on the creator's Web site, but of course, there's always an easier way out of the manual hassle. Which is to buy it from his online shop for a hefty $45.
(Crave Asia via fosfor)
HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One Printer
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Shopping for a budget printer doesn't have to be an exercise in anger-management and self-abasement. Contrary to the stigma, many printers can produce great quality photos and documents without breaking the bank or eating up expensive consumables. Now release your fingers from your hair, put down that club, and check out these tips for getting the best deal for your money.
Before you even start shopping, decide whether you want a laser printer or an inkjet printer. Laser printers use bulky toner cartridges and are typically reserved for home offices that print monochrome text documents and presentations. Businesses also steer toward lasers because of their quick output speeds and reliable text quality. Monochrome lasers like the Samsung ML-2851ND are a good choice for homes that print a large volume of documents, and can be purchased for less than $200.
Inkjet printers are the more versatile choice for color photo printing, Web prints, and creative projects like greeting cards and calendars. They come in a variety of form factors from small and simple personal devices all the way up to fully featured All-in-Ones with scanners, fax machines, and copiers built right into the machine. Of course, the more features you want, the more expensive the printer gets so be sure to make a thorough list beforehand and stick to it. Some of the pricier additions include:
- Auto-document feeder: commonly shortened to ADF, the horizontal input tray lets you scan/fax/copy a stack of papers at once.
- Auto-duplexer: a hardware addition that lets you print on two sides of a single-sheet of paper. Consider this option if you plan to print a lot of pages per month--it could potentially save you money on paper, and it's environmentally responsible!
- Wired/wireless networking: all modern printers use USB to connect to a computer, but many also offer wired and wireless networking at a higher cost.
- Full color/touch-screen LCD: a flashy 6-inch touch-panel LCD screen might look beautiful, but the functionality is extraneous and isn't worth the price jack. If you're on a tight budget, consider a single function inkjet like the HP Officejet 6000 that doesn't have a display and only costs $90.
If you do go for an inkjet, shop around and look for one with separate ink tanks for each color so that you don't need to replace everything when only one color runs dry. This technology used to be relegated to photo printers more than $300, but the prices have fallen and now it's common to see sub-$150 printers like the HP Photosmart C6380 All-in-One and the Canon Pixma CMX860 multifunction that feature multiple cartridges. Also, be sure to do a little research to find out if your brand offers high-capacity cartridges. These inks are more expensive but they last longer and will save you money if you're printing a lot of photos.
One final word of advice: don't just think about the sticker price, consider the total cost of ownership. That includes the page yields of the manufacturer's ink and toner, cost of paper including photo and plain, how many pages you'll print per month versus stated duty cycle, and of course, the optional features you might want to add later. Stick to the list you make and buy a machine suitable for your printing needs and you'll be just fine.
On Sale Now: $129.99 - $399.99
View the latest prices for HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One
See you in hell, USB cables! The Lexmark X6675 multifunction works over Wi-Fi.
(Credit: Buy.com)Multifunction printers are insanely handy. You can make copies--color copies--without having to run to Kinko's. You can send faxes like it's 1995. You can scan documents for electronic storage. Oh, and you can print.
Indeed, the only thing better than a multifunction printer is a wireless multifunction printer, one you can stick in a corner, a closet, or wherever. Like, say, the Lexmark X6675, which Buy.com has for $85.99 shipped.
These are new units, not refurbs, and you don't have to monkey with any rebates. Nor do you need an Ethernet or USB cable (though it does support USB connections), as the X6675 works over Wi-Fi.
No mere entry-level all-in-one, the X6675 boasts some solid specs, including 25-page-per-minute black printing and 18-ppm color. It can print photos directly from a memory card and documents from a USB drive, and it can scan straight to the latter. It also features a 25-page auto document feeder for scanning and copying.
Unfortunately, the X6675 lacks an LCD for previewing photos and the like before printing. That's my only real complaint, as it reduces the unit's functionality as a standalone photo printer.
Still, you know how much I love wireless printers, and this would be pretty ideal for a home or small office. Nearly 30 users on Buy.com rated it 4.5 stars out of 5--a damn good average. The Lexmark lists for $150, so you're getting quite the deal.
(Credit:
UPEK)
"I put down $500 for a Netbook and all I got was an integrated Webcam!" Don't complain. That's not a bad deal, but if you must, I'll see that Webcam and raise you an integrated biometric fingerprint scanner.
This week, UPEK announced the availability of biometric fingerprint scanners for Netbooks and other Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) with its TouchStrip TCS5 Fingerprint Sensor. Along with the sensor is the dedicated touch-based Fingerprint Suite Starter software that allows users to access password-protected Web sites with the swipe of a digit.
So as users get caught up in cloud computing applications and online storage of personal files to compensate for the lack of storage on their Netbooks, the burden of remembering a number of different passwords to access Facebook and Twitter accounts will be alleviated.
The Fingerprint Suite Starter will be available starting in March with support for Windows XP and planned support for Windows 7 Starter edition. In addition, Fingerprint Suite support for Linux will be available later this year.
There's no word on pricing, but UPEK is marketing its technology to Netbook makers, not end users. So odds are biometric scanners may show up as an option on some Netbooks in the future.
This business-class multifunction printer cuts the cord with Wi-Fi.
(Credit: Buy.com)It's a printer. It's a fax machine. It's a copier. It's a scanner. It's four, four, FOUR machines in one! And...wait for it...it's wireless, too! Yep, the Lexmark X6675 multifunction printer dispenses with pesky USB cables in favor of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. Buy.com has the Lexmark X6675 for $91.99 shipped.
These are new units, not refurbs, and you don't have to mess around with any rebates. (If you do decide to go the USB route, however, it's BYO: cable not included.)
No mere entry-level all-in-one, the X6675 boasts some solid specs, including 25-page-per-minute black printing and 18-ppm color. It can print photos directly from a memory card and documents from a USB drive, and it can scan straight to the latter. It also features a 25-page auto document feeder for scanning and copying.
Unfortunately, the X6675 lacks an LCD for previewing photos and the like before printing. That's my only real complaint, as it reduces the unit's functionality as a standalone photo printer.
Still, you know how much I love wireless printers, and this would be pretty ideal for a home or small office. I haven't found many reviews of this particular model, though a pair of users on Buy.com gave it five stars.
