The Astra 3400 manages documents, scanning images and text documents into almost any application, including e-mail and fax. An Intelligent Image Process Engine (IIPE) evaluates the correct settings for many types of images, providing fast and untroubled scanning. The 3400 delivers resolutions from 1 dpi to 9,600 dpi and scaling from 1 percent to 1,000 percent in 5-percent increments. The flatbed provides a maximum scan size of 8.5 by 11.7 inches. Both PC and Mac users can employ the USB compatibility for the plug-and-play installation sought after in business equipment. Also, the compact design, approximately 18 by 12 by 3 inches, and light weight require only a small desk or shelf commitment.

The 3400 comes with easy-to-use scanning software so that users can obtain consistent, quality output. Software for enhancing, modifying, and organizing images is furnished with the unit, including Adobe PhotoDeluxe and PhotoDeluxe Home Edition; Umax VistaScan, VistaScan TWAIN scanner driver, VistaShuttle and Copy Utility (PC only); ScanSoft OmniPage LE OCR; NewSoft Presto! PageManager and PageType; plus Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0. Umax backs the Astra 3400 with one year of technical support and extended support hours (including Saturdays). --Barbara Price