A PC-connected hand scanner which recognizes 56 different languages and handles grey-scale images, barcodes, and handwriting.

Features

The IRISPen II reads text a line at a time and allows pasting it into any application. The text can be any size from 6 to 22 points. It will also read most current barcode formats and even some hand-printing. The included software claims to handle 56 different languages (we didn't have that many samples to test!).

Performance

Performance is much better than most hand pen devices since the processing power is in your PC. We could move the unit across text at a good clip and the software still properly converted to text.

Documentation

The unit includes a full illustrated manual, a quick install guide, and sample sheets to practice with.

Ease of Learning and Use

We had a little difficulty getting a working unit but once installed we had no problems.

Support

Free support is available to all registered users via telephone (a tollfree number), fax, email, or web.

Wish List

Already includes everything a pen scanner needs. Any additions would just duplicate what a flatbed does. We would like to see a wireless unit which would get the cord out of the way.

Gotchas

Only thing to watch out for has nothing to do with IRIS but all USB devices. Sometimes USB is just a pain to configure and get working right. If you have other USB devices you'll find adding the IRISPen to be a breeze.

Program Requirements

A Petium 166 (or faster) running Windows 95 (OSR2), Win 98 and SE, Windows 2000, and Win ME, 32 MB of RAM, 30 MB of disk space, CD ROM drive, and a USB port.

Mac users: Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x, 36 MB of disk space, CD ROM drive, USB port (or serial port for the serial version).

Value

We rate the IRISPen II to be a very good value for someone who needs the flexibility of scanning text quickly into documents.

Summary

We like the functionality and style of the IRISPen II a lot and recommend serious consideration to anyone who needs a handheld scanning device.
Company Information:

I.R.I.S. Inc.

1600 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd, Suite 20

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Phone: 561/395-7831

Web address: http://www.irisusa.com

Version: 4.00c

List Price: $129.99