[X Newbies] OCR Software

[Steven Rogers]

On Jul 17, 2004, at 9:33 AM, Vincent Cayenne wrote:

> At 2:30 AM -0700 7/17/04, Randy B. Singer wrote:
>> ABBYY FineReader Pro (Classic Environment only)
>
> I own ABBYY FineReader 5 Sprint XE (build 264) as distributed by Epson 
> - it is an OS X application. I've three Epson scanners and I'm not 
> sure which it was bundled with but suspect that it's the Epson 
> Perfection 1670 Photo. [...which was also the one that came with 
> working OS X Smart Panel software].

I just got a 3170 that came with that software. It works, but as far as 
user interface design, its horrible - strikes me as typical "PC 
thinking" software. It loads literally hundreds of files at install 
time, and then presents you with a mind-boggling array of options, none 
of which fit well with the way you're used to working on the Mac. Just 
as a "for example", there is a whole program geared toward emulating a 
copier. But instead of using the computer to its full advantage, they 
stupidly duplicate the tiny cryptic interface typical of copy machines. 
What about the usual print dialog?  Forget that - you're learning a new 
interface for an imaginary copy machine. Why? Because we can, and 
because its cool. Contrast that with the single Scanwise program that 
came with the Agfa scanners, which does all the same things with about 
1/10th the number of buttons and 50 MB less software.

OK . . . that's my little rant about Epson software . . . I feel better 
now . . .

SR