Review: Automate Document Scanning

The external power adapter has a convenient power-indicator LED right on the power plug itself. Normally it's impossible to know if a power adapter is working or if there's even power going to the outlet into which it is plugged. But the power LED on the adapter's plug glows brightly when the power adapter is functioning properly. This helps with troubleshooting in case the scanner isn't working properly.

All the necessary software comes bundled with the scanner, including an HP PDF writer utility, HP copy utility, NewSoft Presto PageManager 7 and BizCard 5 SE, I.R.I.S. Readiris Pro and Captiva TWAIN drivers.

Presto PageManager 7 is a general-purpose scanning utility that helps users share and organize scanned photos and documents. It lets users view, edit and back up files in many different formats. BizCard 5 helps users organize business card contact information in a searchable database that can be synchronized between PCs, notebooks, PDAs and PIMs. Readiris Pro is an optical character recognition (OCR) application that can convert scanned documents into editable text formats. The Captiva TWAIN drivers allow applications that are already installed on a system to be used with the new HP scanner. This is convenient when solution providers have customers that already use special software packages that aren't included with the scanner.

The HP Scanjet N6010 is compatible with most any Microsoft Windows computer, although, without a network port, it cannot be connected directly to a network. Networking the scanner requires that it be connected to a networked computer and used as a shared device. Minimum system requirements are a PC with at least a Pentium II processor running at 266MHz, 128 Mbytes of memory, 400 Mbytes of available hard-disk space and Windows 2000, XP or Vista.

Easy to set up, the scanner measures 12.6 inches wide x 10.63 inches deep x 12.28 inches high without the output tray attached. It weighs about 12 pounds.

When customers need a document scanner, that provides an opening for solution providers to explore their clients' broader document management, data backup and compliance needs. Scanners also create data that must be backed up—often by law. It's quite likely that the same customers will require storage arrays and backup devices to properly preserve the digital records.

Solution providers are generally pleased with HP's document scanners. "We sell tons of N6010 scanners, and no news is good news here; we rarely see any failures," said Jerod Medeiros, vice president of purchasing at Golden Star Technology, a solution provider in Brea, Calif.

HP's top-notch channel program contains three levels, providing varying degrees of financial incentives and support.