Scanners have never really been sexy. They’re usually clunky, off-white or dull gray, and loud. But with its newest scanner, Lexmark is trying to change that stereotype. The Lexmark Genesis is black with a clean design and a stylish LCD touch screen. If the design were the only innovative aspect, though, the Genesis wouldn’t be such a big deal. The chic look is upstaged by the ingenious technology within the device.
The Genesis is the first scanner to use digital camera technology instead of sensor bars to capture text and images. In other words, Genesis takes an instant flash picture of the item being scanned. It’s able to do this with its 10MP sensor and six reflectors that render the image as clear as possible.
Since the Genesis is also furnished with Wi-Fi, as soon as the image is scanned — it takes less than a second — the image can be uploaded onto the computer to any number of social networking or photo storage sites. The 4.3-inch touch screen, which has an impeccable interface, enables this function.
In addition to being an outstanding printer, a speedy scanner and Wi-Fi enabled, the Genesis has a number of applications to up the nifty factor. The touch screen allows the user to browse the Internet and print photos directly from Flickr and Facebook or browse their Twitter accounts. It’s almost like having a computer, a scanner, a printer, and a copy and fax machine all in one.
The Genesis also has USB and SD slots for automatic picture uploading. By putting your camera’s SD memory card directly into the scanner, you can edit and resize the photos with the touch screen and print within seconds. The $400 price tag is hefty, but you’re getting several machines at once and it will look dashing in your home office. Ink refills are only $19.99, which is a major plus.