RSS
Subscribe to magazine
Follow us on:
  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments

Umax Astra 4000U

High resolution and large scan bed make this an excellent choice for scanning graphics.

  

WHAT'S HOT: Umax's Astra 4000U is the only scanner of the SOHO bunch that features a cardless Universal Serial Bus interface (no SCSI adapter needed), a legal-size scan bed, and toll-free automated technical support. This model also boasts a higher resolution than the SCSI-based Astra 2400S model that predates it (1200 by 2400 dpi, up from 600 by 2400 dpi), plus a lighter chassis (9.9 pounds, down from 14.6 pounds).

WHAT'S NOT: Like most USB models we've tested, the Astra 4000U's scan speed fell well short of the similarly featured Epson Perfection 1200S, the top SCSI unit on the SOHO chart. The lack of an optional automatic document feeder limits this scanner's ability to serve as an optical character recognition workhorse.

WHAT ELSE: By default, the scanner software settings produce warm, color-saturated images, but users demanding exact scans can easily make adjustments. An optional $149 transparency adapter unit is available for scanning batches of 35mm slides and other materials up to 8.5 by 11 inches.

BEST USE: The Astra 4000U's high resolution, large scan bed, and formidable extra-cost transparency adapter make it an excellent choice for scanning all kinds of graphics, both large and small.


SUMMARY
Umax Astra 4000U


USB, 1200 by 2400 dpi, 11.3 by 16.8 by 3.5 inches (width by depth by height), 9.9 pounds, 8.5-by-14-inch scanning area, optional transparency adapter. One-year warranty; 14-hour weekday support, 9-hour Saturday support; 24-hour toll-free automated support.

$299
800/562-0311
www.umax.com

Would you recommend this story? YES NO

  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments
Lenovo Laptop Deals

Subscribe to the Digital Gear Review Newsletter - weekly

See All Newsletters »
Today's Special Offers
Editors' Picks