Plustek PL1530 Scanner

All articles on this site are by Harry Skevington unless otherwise noted with another byline

July 1 2010

Plustek SmartOffice Scanner PL1530
ADF and Multi-functions.
The Plustek SmartOffice Scanner PL1530 arrived in a BIG box! When opened it proved to be well protected but fairly compact. It weighs 10.1 pounds and measures 16.45? x 12.83? x 4?. The Plustek PL1530 includes the ability to scan up to 50 pages of work using the ADF (AUTOMATIC DOCUMENT FEEDER).

Functions also include Scanning Photos, OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and Business Card Reading to a database. The ability to connect two USB cables to any two USB equipped computers makes the PL1530 a real value in a home or small office. It comes with a bundle of software that takes up 800 MB (1GB available is recommended) of your hard drive.
The MFSP is $349.00. To see more details on features and specifications CLICK HERE.

IN THE BOX
1. Scanner
2. USB Cable x 2
3. AC Adapter
4. Quick Guide (There is a complete USER Guide on the included CD)
5. Setup/Application CD-ROM
6. Calibration Sheet
7. Cleansing Cloth
8. Pad Module

websmallplustekpl1530backus

I found the setup of the scanner and installation of the included software easy with no issues. The PL1530 scanner is well built. There are 5 buttons (PC1, Scan, PDF, Custom, PC2) for operations on the front control panel and the on/off switch in the back. Maxium hardware resolutions for the Flatbed: 600 x 1200 dpi and the ADF: 600 x 600 dpi The ADF lifts up in case of paper jams and other needs. The top portion of the PL1530 is held to the bottom by 2 pins that insert into holes at the back of the scanner bed. This helps you when scanning thick items such as pages in books or catalogues.

web1530-scanner-Plustekall

My first test was to place 20 printed pages into the ADF area and push Button1 . The pages were scanned quickly with no problem. After the scan I noticed that 2 of the papers in the stach were stapled together. They went through the ADF without a hitch. I do not recommend this to others.I also had no problem with scanning photos or OCR operations. I did have some issues with the Business Card Reader and software. I was able to scan the business cards as photos but could not scan the cards when using the Business card database software. When using the Business Card Software the cards would stick/jam in the exit portion of the ADF every time. I never was able to add the card contents to database. The software required a twain file and profile for each type of scan. It may be me but I found the business card twain/profile setup to be difficult as the instructions and the setup on screen were not in sync. I have passed the word on to PLUSTEK and expect they will take a look at the issue.

websmallplustekpl1530openbe

I loved the fact that the Plustek PL1530 required no warm up period. Scanning most items was a breeze. With the exception of the Business Card reader/scanning issues the PL1530 and its dual USB capability is a decent scanning answer for small offices or in the home where two computers need to share one Scanner.For more on this and other Plustek products CLICK HERE


	Harry Skevington has been involved with electronics since 1981. He has taught, written for, and provided support to, computer users since 1985. Information that will help consumers with buying decisions is more important than ever due to the current convergence of computers and other consumer products . Harry attends CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas on assignment as a working press writer each year to find and write about emerging technology that seems to fit the needs of his readers. Contact Harry

		2011 by Month January February March April May June July September October November 2012 by Month January February