Pen Scanner - Types and Uses of Pen Scanners

If you are interested in buying (or even just borrowing) a pen scanner, it is important to understand the different types of units and their uses. There are a few major manufacturers (IRISPen, Planon, and Wizcom) that each make many different models with varying features. To make things easier for you, we'll break down the types of pen scanners into their different basic categories. By determining what category is right for you, it'll be easier to make the purchase that best suits your needs.

Basic Text Scanning/Note Taking

Scanning text and "dumping" it into some time of word processing document is the most basic function these devices. These types of pens use OCR (optical character recognition) technology to convert images into text. If you are simply looking to use your pen scanner to take notes from a textbook, brochure, or other literature, this is the right type of scanner for you. Other optional features for products in this category include on device screens (including touch screen), ability to read text aloud, image scanning and language translation. Well known models of this type include the IRISPen Express 6, Wizcom InfoScan 2, and the Planon DocuPen R705.

Language Translator

There is an entire class of pen scanners designed specifically for language translation. While some models have a translator feature as an afterthought, these are designed from the ground up for this purpose. A translator unit typically features word-by-word translation and can read back the translated text instantly for verification and comprehension purposes. The IRISPen Translator 6 is one such model and recognizes 128 different languages. Most of the translator models also typically incorporate the features found in the note taking pen scanners. In addition to the IRISPen Translator 6, the Wizcom Quicktionary line is another capable group of translator units. This type of is ideal for foreign language students and teachers as well as people who travel often.

Executive/High End

In addition to the above types of pen scanners, there are also high-end or executive models that tend to incorporate the largest number of features. If you are looking for top of the line units with as much memory and editing capability as possible (or if money is no object), this may be the model for you.

In a future article we will discuss how to go about shopping for a pen scanner. In the mean time, we hope that you have found this breakdown informative. Please be sure to check out our other pen scanner articles to help you make an informed decision.

For pen scanner reviews and all other things pen scanner, check out Everything Pen Scanner.