Reflecta iPad Scanner Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Reflecta iPad Scanner gives users a new way of scanning important documents and images directly onto their iPad. The device works by placing the iPad on top of it and feeding the photograph or document to be scanned into the slot. You can scan documents or photos up to sizes of 21.59 x 35.56cm and it is compatible with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation of iPads.

The scanner has got a resolution of 300 dpi and the originals are fed automatically and saved as JPEG files. The scanner can also be used as a docking station.

Reflecta iPad Scanner Features

• Image sensor: CIS sensor
• Light source: LED (R, G, B)
• Optical resolution: 300 dpi
• File format: JPEG
• Max. scan size: 21.59 x 35.56 cm
• Scan speed: 6 pages per minute in A4 format with 300 dpi
• Power supply: via iPad 10 W USB power adapter (not included in the delivery)
• Power consumption: 10 W (max.)
• Automatic feed
• Real-time preview
• Weight: approx. 680 g
• Dimensions: 308 x 111 x 72mm (L x W x H)

Reflecta iPad Scanner Handling

In the box is a quick start guide with brief instructions on setting up, which makes the process look very simple indeed. You need to use the plug that came with your iPad, with the supplied cable connecting it to the scanner. It's worth noting that during use your iPad won't charge, but when the unit is switched off it will charge. Next you switch on and download the app from the iTunes store. When this is done you open up the app, insert your document and press scan, you'll see a preview on the screen.

Initially photos weren't scanning straight as the paper guide hadn't been set. This was mainly due to lack of awareness of the job they performed as they weren't mentioned on the quick start guide. The scanner doesn't come with a full manual, but it can be downloaded from the Reflecta website. A quick read of the full instructions gives more detail which leads to much better performance.

We tested on the iPad 1, which was crashing quite often, but after closing all the apps that were running in the background, crashing was no longer an issue. After you have scanned an image you are given the opportunity to cancel or save, which saves to your camera roll.

Other items with the scanner are a calibration card, cleaning board, cleaning strip and photo sleeve. To calibrate, tap settings, insert the calibration card then hit calibrate, a process which takes less than a minute. To clean the rollers, again hit settings, insert the cleaning board in and hit clean, this also takes less than a minute. Cleaning the lens is a more manual process, it involves putting the cleaning strip into the back and moving side to side a few times. The photo sleeve is for use with fragile or small pictures.

Reflecta iPad Scanner Performance

The first job is to calibrate, our first scans have clear black lines when viewed at full size. Below are cropped full size sections from before and after calibration scans, with an extremely noticeable difference.

Before calibration		After calibration

Scanning is quick and easy, during testing we managed an album of 52 6x4s in comfortably under 20 minutes. The whole A4 area is scanned but the software is clever enough to crop out the black border. Our first example is scanned on the iPad scanner.


Image scanned on the Reflecta iPad Scanner

In the office we have an Epson Perfection 3200 Photo Scanner, below is the same image scanned on the Epson.


Image scanned on the Epson Perfection 3200 Photo Scanner

To make comparison a little easier, here they are side-by-side.


Top - iPad Scanner, Bottom - Epson Scanner

Compared to the Epson Scanner, scan quality is excellent, bringing life to old photos with colours that have more punch to them.

Reflecta iPad Scanner Verdict

The Reflecta iPad Scanner delivers impressive results. If you have a lot of photos that you would like to scan to archive and if you are an iPad owner it's an ideal solution. For its price, it's surprising that there isn't a plug and a manual, but this does save potential unnecessary waste as you just use your own iPad plug. The manual can be downloaded, but with the quick start guide not mentioning calibration, it's likely many users will scan a whole lot of photos without realising there's black lines when viewing full size. But as long as you're aware of this and are happy with the price, the iPad Scanner is going to prove a fantastic purchase.

Reflecta iPad Scanner Pros

Easy to use
Scan quality is good
Images are scanned quickly
Unit can be used as an iPad dock when not in use
Calibration and cleaning is easy to do and doesn't take long

Reflecta iPad Scanner Cons

Could improve speed with an auto save function
Required calibration out of the box
Full manual not supplied
No plug included
Quite expensive

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Reflecta iPad Scanner Specifications

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