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G-mac · Mar 12, 2003, 02:51 PM

I have a new Epson CX5200 and love its performance and features, but wish I could actually use the Scan button on its control panel.

Anyone know how to make this button functional or know if Epson is planning to release a new driver/software that allows this?

If anyone's considering an OS X compatible multifxn printer, you've got to check this out before you decide!

JB72 · Mar 12, 2003, 06:42 PM

Apparently the big print/scanner hardware companies have a hard time writing simple code to make those buttons functional. Maybe they should just hire the guy who makes USB Overdrive.

They also seem to have trouble making TWAIN drivers for OS X. It must be an insane amount of programing to do or something.

bradoesch · Mar 12, 2003, 07:45 PM

Boy, it sure feels like these companies are saying to just be happy they made a Mac version at all.

G-mac · Mar 12, 2003, 08:31 PM

My guess is that all of the hardware makers hire the same freelancer who designs all of their OS X drivers. Must get paid $5/hour to work from home - no deadlines either.

Why else would a simple Scan button not work?

I think you're right, JB72 - they like to say there's a Mac version, as long as it can print. Maybe there should be a disclaimer under the Mac requirements section on the box: "some buttons and software may not work with Macs."

OldManMac · Mar 12, 2003, 10:58 PM

Actually, I read an article on this recently, and the article stated that the reason is because of the regular updates to OS X. There are enough changes in each update that most scanner manufacturers are waiting until code is more permanent.

JB72 · Mar 13, 2003, 12:53 AM

Originally posted by KarlG:
Actually, I read an article on this recently, and the article stated that the reason is because of the regular updates to OS X. There are enough changes in each update that most scanner manufacturers are waiting until code is more permanent.

I'm sure that's true to a certain extent. But what about delivering a TWAIN driver? That's all I want. And it can't change that much from update to update.

rockhaus · Mar 13, 2003, 07:52 AM

I have Epson twain 5 working great in PS7.1 under 10.2.4, with an Epson Perfection 1650 scanner.

I don't remember where I got the download - it was free and legal, though. The file is called epson10588 from Oct. 28 '02.

No, the buttons on the scanner don't work.

GORDYmac · 10:21 AM

I lost the email, but I did contact the vendor that developed the front panel button software for Epson. I think I posted their response here somewhere. They were in the beta stages in January, and they offered to send me the final version when it was done.

EDIT: Here's their response, I posted it over at AI:

Indeed we are developing a OS-X compliant smart panel and in fact it is in beta testing as we speak. As for the release date I am not sure but if you check back with us in a month and it is available I will give it out for free.

EDIT: From their website (http://www.newsoftinc.com):

We are now developing a newer version of Smart Panel to support Mac OSX. It allows Smart Panel v2.5 to upgrade the program for Mac OSX with the less charge. The new program will be ready this summer, please be patience for the latest release in the near future.

JB72 · Mar 13, 2003, 11:17 AM

TY 4 the infor Gordy.

I guess Newsoft was the lowest bidder then.