If you have a need to scan larger images and documents, the Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro USB Large Format Scanner may be exactly what you are looking for. This scanner scans paper sizes that no all in one device could even think about trying to handle—not without a whole lot of cutting and pasting anyway. Since it connects to your PC with a standard 2.0 USB cable, there is no complicated installations to worry about for setup. You can literally just plug it in and start scanning.
Why a Large Format Scanner?
If you are shopping for a large flatbed scanner you will quickly realize that the Mustek ScanExpress is the most affordable option out there. While there are certainly higher quality A3 size scanners available, the price tags can be quite large and out of reach for people.
I bought the Mustek ScanExpress A3 USB 2400 Pro for use with a Mac OS X 10.6 system. I've been using it for a few months now, and while the scanner itself is decent for the price (not great, just decent), I must say that I am extremely disappointed with Mustek's proprietary ImageAcquire software.
If you are a graphic artist or someone else who needs very high quality picture scans, the ScanExpress 1200 may not be for you. But for the everyday hobbyist and business person who just needs a large bed to scan oversize items, Mustek offers a great choice and a great price in a large format scanner.
Likewise, if all you intend to do is scan one standard letter sized page after another, then the Scan Express A3 scanner probably isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you find the need to scan pages from larger books, or if you are in comic or graphic design, this scanner will make your life much less complicated when digitizing your work. Indeed, the Mustek scanner can handle pages up to and including 11.7″ x 16.5″.
That’s Great, but Does it Do Anything Else?
At one time, if a scanner did simply what its namesake suggested, it was an accomplishment. In this day of all in one printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines, however, a device that can only perform in one capacity seems lacking in some way. Fortunately, the Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 doesn’t disappoint in this arena. While it is not quite as comprehensive as the all in one devices, it does offer a few extra perks such as:
- Faxing capabilities for scanned documents when using the included software program
- Copier capabilities
- Removable lid for scanning large books while achieving a perfectly flat image.
Add those features to the impressive scan bed size, lightening fast and reliable 2.0 USB connection, high quality full-color scans at up to 9600 dpi, and full compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems and you have a perfect large format scanner that performs well time after time after time.
Customer Reviews
The Mustek ScanExpress scanner is one that really brings about mixed feelings. There are so many great things about the Mustek ScanExpress and yet so many complaints about the company as well. From online reviews it appears that the scanner works very well – when it works. There have been a lot of installation complaints about it being a bit too complicated or problematic while other people did not encounter such problems at all.
The ScanExpress 1200 scanner is said to be quite sturdy but also a bit bulky. If you purchase this scanner you will certainly need some dedicated workspace on which to place it.
Many people have said that the Mustek ScanExpress is not that easy to install, but other people have had no installations issues while following the manual. The software for this scanner is not as beautifully designed as from other brands of scanners, like a Canon, yet the software is able to get the job done and is relatively easy to use.
For the durability, scan quality and sturdiness, the price is a way better offer than other scanners starting at a higher price. The Mustek ScanExpress can go up to a whopping 1200 DPI when 400 DPI is more than enough to make the picture look as real as can be. Thus, if you have a computer that is quite fast and you need detailed and in-depth scans, the Mustek ScanExpress can certainly accomplish this.
The Mustek ScanExpress also works with almost any paper size – A4, A3 and even a full-spread out comic book- just the machine for those of you that want to transfer all your comics into the computer- and in good quality too. However, this scanner is said to not be that great with Photoshop- it works best if you just want to scan stuff and save. Apparently it has poor interface with Photoshop CS4.
Lastly, although the Mustek ScanExpress may be great, the company is not very helpful according to some. One reviewer has stated that they tried asking a few questions but Mustek was impossible to reach and didn’t seem to have employees that know their products well. If product support is something that is very important to you then you may want to reconsider the Mustek scanner.
Overall, the recommendation is that you buy it at your own risk. But for the price, the Mustek ScanExpress has been a great scanner for many people and may be worth taking a chance on. Especially if you need a large flatbed scanner.
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After you upgrade your computer to Windows 10, if your Mustek Scanner Drivers are not working, you can fix the problem by updating the drivers. It is possible that your Scanner driver is not compatible with the newer version of Windows.
Find Mustek Scanner Device Drivers by Model Name or Number
How to Update Device Drivers
There are two ways to update drivers.
Option 1 (Recommended): Update drivers automatically - Novice computer users can update drivers using trusted software in just a few mouse clicks. Automatic driver updates are fast, efficient and elimate all the guesswork. Your old drivers can even be backed up and restored in case any problems occur.
OR
Option 2: Update drivers manually - Find the correct driver for your Scanner and operating system, then install it by following the step by step instructions below. You’ll need some computer skills to use this method.
Option 1: Update drivers automatically
The Driver Update Utility for Mustek devices is intelligent software which automatically recognizes your computer’s operating system and Scanner model and finds the most up-to-date drivers for it. There is no risk of installing the wrong driver. The Driver Update Utility downloads and installs your drivers quickly and easily.
You can scan for driver updates automatically with the FREE version of the Driver Update Utility for Mustek, and complete all necessary driver updates using the premium version.
Tech Tip: The Driver Update Utility for Mustek will back up your current drivers for you. If you encounter any problems while updating your drivers, you can use this feature to restore your previous drivers and configuration settings.
- Download the Driver Update Utility for Mustek.
- Double-click on the program to run it. It will then scan your computer and identify any problem drivers. You will see a results page similar to the one below:
- Click the Update Driver button next to your driver. The correct version will be downloaded and installed automatically. Or, you can click the Update Drivers button at the bottom to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out-of-date on your system.
Option 2: Update drivers manually
To find the latest driver, including Windows 10 drivers, choose from our list of most popular Mustek Scanner downloads or search our driver archive for the driver that fits your specific Scanner model and your PC’s operating system.
If you cannot find the right driver for your device, you can request the driver. We will find it for you. Or, try the automatic option instead.
Tech Tip: If you are having trouble finding the right driver update, use the Mustek Scanner Driver Update Utility. It is software which finds, downloads and istalls the correct driver for you - automatically.
After downloading your driver update, you will need to install it. Driver updates come in a variety of file formats with different file extensions. For example, you may have downloaded an EXE, INF, ZIP, or SYS file. Each file type has a slighty different installation procedure to follow. Visit our Driver Support Page to watch helpful step-by-step videos on how to install drivers based on their file extension.
How to Install Drivers
After you have found the right driver, follow these simple instructions to install it.
- Power off your device.
- Disconnect the device from your computer.
- Reconnect the device and power it on.
- Double click the driver download to extract it.
- If a language option is given, select your language.
- Follow the directions on the installation program screen.
- Reboot your computer.