BIOS: Technology Means Business

Fujitsu Computer has introduced a new enhanced model of its ScanSnap scanning solution.

The ScanSnap S500 not only incorporates improved scanning functionality, a new design, and operating speeds 20 per cent faster than the previous model, but also comes equipped with new software capabilities allowing you to create searchable portable document format (PDF) files and convert them into Microsoft Office applications.

For the first time, the new Fujitsu ScanSnap S500 comes bundled with ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap, a custom-built optical character recognition (OCR) software application based on ABBYY’s proven recognition technology.

Using ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap, you can convert documents into editable formats such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint, or save into one of three searchable PDF options, all with a push of a button.

Furthermore, the new Fujitsu ScanSnap is equipped with improved scanning efficiency, obtaining speeds 20 per cent faster than earlier models, claims the company. The ScanSnap S500 produces scanning speeds of up to 18 pages per minute (ppm) for single-sided documents and 36 images per minute (ipm) for double-sided documents.

Additionally, new auto-document size detection allows you to automatically scan batches of mixed size documents, apparently reducing operational requirements and improving ease of use. Simply drop any mixed sized document batches - such as receipts, business cards and brochures - into the 50-page automatic document feeder and let the Fujitsu ScanSnap scanner’s document size detection functionality do the work.

Another new feature incorporated into the Fujitsu ScanSnap S500 includes its utilisation of advanced file compression technology to reduce file sizes by 20 to 50 per cent.

Of course, the new Fujitsu ScanSnap scanning solution maintains all of the features and capabilities of its predecessor, including its popular business card scanning features, authentic one-touch Acrobat PDF generation, a 50-page automatic document feeder, high optical resolution up to 600 dpi, high-speed duplex color scanning, automatic blank page detection and deletion, and automatic de-skew and image rotation.

In addition, the scanner comes standard with ScanSnap Organizer version 3.0, CardMinder version 3.0, and ScanSnap Manager version 4.0 for enhanced organisation and ease of use, as well as Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard, allowing you to create searchable PDF files with the touch of a button.

The standard Fujitsu ScanSnap S500 product bundle also includes a ScanSnap scanner ‘Carrier Sheet,’ a paper adapter that allows the user to digitize A3 and B4 sized documents in addition to A4, B5, A5, B6, A6 documents and business cards. The Carrier Sheet allows safe scanning of delicate documents such as photos and fragile papers.

The Fujitsu ScanSnap scanning solution is available now for $495 (£283).

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