Portable scanner to text for ubuntu 12.04

[Pete Smout]

On 23/01/14 16:16, Liam Proven wrote:
> On 23 January 2014 15:49, Don Parsons <dfp10 at verizon.net> wrote:
>> I tried to install an old Epson Perfection 1640SU
> Hang on - I have just reread and checked this.
>
> *My* scanner is an Epson Perfection 1640SU.
>
> It is not portable. It is not "strip-shaped", whatever that means.
> It's an absolutely standard A4/foolscap flatbed USB scanner. It works
> perfectly with Ubuntu 13.10, 13.04, 12.10 and every version for about
> the last 3-4y which is as long as I have been using it.
>
> It needs no installation. You plug it in, turn it on, boot your PC and
> run Simple Scan. Job done.
>
>
Hi,

Not what you're asking but if you are after a hand held 'portable' 
scanner try 'cam-scanner' (available on android, not sure about IOS or 
windoze) hold your phone (or tablet) and take picture.
It does not convert to text, but it produces readable text, and it also 
has built in paper straightening (removes lines from folds etc.). I have 
used it on several occasions with no probs.

If anyone does know of FOSS OCR software please post it here as I have 
never even had any luck getting propriety software to work with any 
great reliability!

Hope this helps (might be cheaper than a new scanner)

Pete S