ArchivistaBox 2008/XI: LCD panels, support for mobile mini computers and scanners

Pfaffhausen, 30th October 2008: ArchivistaBox 2008/XI represents the latest major release in 2008. We are proud to be able to provide many tremendous new functions with this release.

LCD panels for all ArchivistaBoxes

We spent a long time searching, developing and testing, having received the first display more than a year ago. Between then and now, there has been a great deal of work put in, culminating in the first finished product. But what is an LCD panel anyway?

Many customers use the ArchivistaBox for scanning without any screen or keyboard being connected to the ArchivistaBox they are using. Up until now, we have connected a keypad for such cases (mini keyboard pad). By this means, scanning could be started by pressing a figure and then the enter key (e.g.1+ enter) without the user having to be logged into the system. And in order to be clear about what scanning definition you were starting with, the definition names were printed on an A6 card and attached to the scanner. The solution as used to date is working to the satisfaction of many customers. But it does have two disadvantages: a) with an increasing number of scan definitions, there is a risk of typing in the wrong number, and b) there will be a problem if the scan definitions printout is not up to date.

 
In order to obviate these two disadvantages, you can now get -- with each new ArchivistaBox -- an LCD panel, which displays the current scan definitions. Scanning can be initiated directly via the panel keys. System settings can also be consulted directly via the LCD panel. The LCD panel can be connected to any ArchivistaBox and ordered direct from the WebShop.

ArchivistaBox 2008/XI on EeePC

Theoretically, the ArchivistaBox installation CD can be installed on many computers. However, driver problems may occasionally arise (especially if the hardware is either extremely new or old). But this is where our ArchivistaBoxes come in. The ArchivistaBox models Dolder, Rigi, Säntis, Pilatus, Titlis, Mythen and Rothorn have all been tested by ourselves and are being used in productive work.

 
What has been missing up until now is a notebook. Some customers may perhaps remember that we were working on a Toshiba minicomputer and in house we have been using mini notebooks for our work for many years. However, these computers were/are not available through the normal commercial channels and they are not exactly cheap anyway. With the advent of subnotebooks, mobile computers are now available that are light in weight, easy to handle and cost-effective. So it's about time we used ArchivistaBox with these cosmputers. The project was not as simple as all that to execute because the new subnotebook generation use screen resolutions of 1024x600. And the network cards had to be compiled. However, we believe the result to be worth while.

Two comments should be made here: a) the Asus EeePCs 900 and 1000H were tested. b) because these models are subject to continuous modification, we will not be starting to offer subnotebooks for saleover the WebShop. However, we shall be glad to present you at any time with a binding offer. The delivery time, for example, for the EeePC 1000H, is currently two working days.

Fujitsu S300: mobile duplex scanner thanks to new open source drivers

Given that we are already working with mobile devices, we are now very glad to be able to announce that we can support the Fujitsu S300. The S300 produces approximately 10 images or five pages per minute (300 dpi colour) but only weighs in at approximately 1.2 kg and can be operated on a mobile basis (via two USB ports).
Extensive work had to be put in on the drivers so as to get the S300 up & running with ArchivistaBoxes. And now the benefit of the work put in is available to all Linux users: we regard it as our small contribution to the open source community. However, the Fujitsu S300 downloads the firmware from a file which we cannot supply directly on the ArchivistaBox CD. In day to day operation and after anupdate of the ArchivistaBox, however, the driver will be correctly and automatically loaded so as to maximise ease of use. The Fujitsu S300 can be ordered direct from the WebShop.

EeePC and S300: mobile solution weighing less than 3 kg

Whilst the first ArchivistaBox weighed a plump 3 kg about four years ago (excluding the scanner, keyboard and screen), today we can offer a mobile ArchivistaBox complete with mobile duplex scanner. In terms of price, the mobile ArchivistaBox costs approximately €1000. Here, too, we are supplying this solution upon request for a quotation at the moment.