Hello Miimi, I get dark copies when I scan. This means more wasted ink and unsightly copies. How do I resolve this issue? I put in a sheet of white paper and I expect to bet a white copy instead of this grey copy. Can you help?
HeyMimi DIY thanks a lot, i have been struggling for a while to use my neatdesk scanner. Unfortunately i lost the manual sometime last year and i haven't been able to use my scanner to its full potential, but your tutorials have been a wonderful experience and i am currently able to scan and save documents in different folders. Thanks again and have a lovely day.
This is the best scanner I've ever purchased! HOWEVER, I CANNOT USE IT UNLESS I PAY NEAT EVERY MONTH for the rest of my life.!!! Whether I use the NEAT CLOUD or just save it onto my computer, It cannot be used at all unless you pay Neat every month for as long as you own the stupid beautiful thing. Even if it was a dollar a month, its a scam from the first day I purchased it :-((
I just bought the Neat Desk today and spent hours trying to get it to work with Windows8...I bought the Neat,based on your review,not solely,but you helped to sway me with your fervor for this product... We had to put it on a very slow older computer with windows XP to work...We tried numerous times to call customer service to no avail...All they want you to do is email somebody,when I want to TALK!!
Dnew Blackmessiah Sorry to hear you had so much trouble! I installed it on a Windows8 Laptop without any problems, last month. Did you see my latest 2 videos on getting on getting live help? If you purchased the NeatDesk in the past 60 Days, you can easily get live technical help See this page: www.neat.com/support-options/
Hi Mimi, I purchased this scanner and it's been an unopened dust collector in my closet for several years. Many of the old review videos had me discouraged, primarily that you couldn't back up to an alternate cloud other than Neat. Can you also back up to a local network drive? Also, what's the average size of you total neat data base? Thanks for your awesome reviews :)
Great review! I am buying it today. As a computer repair shop owner, I see user issues that are mistaking for product issues all the time! Most of the time it's a user issue. Example: "I will never buy another Dell, becaouse I keep getting viruses!" LOL Keep up the great reviews, John
Thanks! And yes, I agree John. I've always felt that Neat Co was fighting a losing battle with customer satisfaction because there are just so many variables including the user misunderstanding something in the installation process, insufficient hardware, and constantly changing operating systems. Neat's marketing dept did a great job of selling how easy it was to use; but I think they underestimated how much people just want every peripheral to be "plug and play." Maybe they oversold the "Easy" thing. Just last month, Neat switched from "legacy" software to a desktop app/cloud system, which I suspect is their way of trying to bypass user issues. Both the desktop and mobile apps are a free download. I know Neat will get criticized for trying to "force" people to subscribe to their NeatCloud service. But as far as I can tell, the desktop app still allows you to use a Neat Scanner to send data anywhere you want: you can send it to your printer, your hard drive, google drive, Evernote, Dropbox or just email it to yourself. I hope it helps people use their scanners without having to mess with the software installation and updates.
What about having to either purchase/subrcribe to Neat's Cloud to update Neat software for a 2013 scanner. I tried via Intuit but that created a new quickbooks online acct which is totally separate from my QkBks 2013 existing software package. I do not understand how these companies get away with these bait and switch deals where one purchases a product for several hundred dollars, which goes obsolete in a year or so without having to pay them more????!!!!
I just bought one... new in the box for 150 bucks. It's a Connect. The 500 dollar unit. I did scans the old way forever. I saw this video and figured for 150 I can't go wrong. Now... anyone reading this... she is correct. Super easy to ues took me 4 minutes to set up. Why would I buy this knowing (no tech support and unsupported ) I did not need them. Again she is correct super easy and convenient. I wanted one for years just didn't like the price. I thought I only got 45 scans a month or something. Mimi explained that correctly. Long story short... Thanks Mimi !!!
I've had the neat scanner for 8 months. I purchased a new computer and had it installed. I get errors all the time, it freezes daily and now wants to sync with the cloud. I haven't got the cloud because I'm very unsure of the privacy issues but know my system shows that it needs to sync. It pops up after every scan. Getting help from Neat is impossible. It also won't back up onto my computer. Any ideas?
neat cloud is a joke and scam. don't worry about privacy, because it does not even work. takes 5 hours to download 10 files. are you kidding me. It's a scam because once you have hundred of files uploaded to that scam cloud there is no way to get them out of that shit to your local machine. YOu have to pay hundred to use it or you are locked out. and even you paid that much you still have download about 1 files in about half a hour . what a joke as well as this stupid woman don't know what she's talking about.
At this point in time you do not know the international laws behind cLoud, just get out and go focoffee. I do not work for NEAT, I am a truck driver and NEAT does help my life a great deal; from distribution, contacts, payments, taxes, accruals; just read and learn how to use it; there is no limitations for this little scanner and software. Just keep educating yourself. It will not replace your brain, you have to have it to use it.
Got a question for you: when I scan the receipts, scan items in this order- item type has the $ sign, then status column, then description with vendor name, date, $ amount, credit card, then next column has comments, and lastly date created. how can I correct this?
I cleaned my NEAT. had it for years. Didnt use. Too many problem. Now seems to work BUT all scanned docs are very light. Unreadable. How do you change the brightness/contrast. Ive calibrated from menu several times. Still very light. Thanks.
I am hoping you can help...I have the neat scanner and when i scan to my neatcloud, it will not show up under the neatconnect tab on my desktop software...how do i fix this?
Hi Mimi if I have to use a different PC will I loose my data base. Can I use the scanner on two PC's, I set up the data base folder on my DropBox, What I want to do is run the Scanner on two PC but, from the same data base that I have on DropBox.
I am trying to connect my NeatDesk but It will not show up and connect. I have tried reaching out to neat and no one will help me. do you have any info on this?
hi, my problem is that after inputting 2yrs worth of receipts, i had to change computers. i had know idea when i purchased the machine that i would also have to purchase a monthly subscription plan. after not using the my machine for many months, i cant get any of my info to link onto my new computer. i found the files but they are encripted. i cant reach anyone at neat unless i purchase a phone plan for $49.99. my only option now is to just return the unit but i would still like to retrieve my documents which i now need for tax purchases. can anyone help me. thanks
Now that Neat Desk no longer supports updates to this program what do you do? I updated from the original version 4.3 to 5.5? Since I downloaded this upgrade how can I find the same downloadable version for my other windows 7 PC as I want to install it on the other PC and use my backup file to import my files. The later versions I found doesn't play well with my current 5.5 ver. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!
Hi HeyMimi DIY, I know it's now 2017, but do they have a newer model now? Also, If I wanted to scan in social security cards and driver's licenses without storing into the software, and instead, upload it as a pdf to a service such as office 365, would I have to manually delete it from the local computer, or software?
Do you know how to remove a thick black image down the middle of the scan? It appears to be the size of the feed roller, I have completely cleaned the unit.
Mimi, I thought in this video you had an overly defensive attitude of this product which clearly shows bias in its favor. I am not sure I trust reviews that carry so much color. Yes, you can use the NeatDesk without the subscription. However, please don't deny the fact that the Neat company is moving in the direction of having their customers pay monthly for the use of their service and they clearly want everyone to do so. They are slowly but surely closing the doors on those who want to remain without the subscription. They just shut the doors on the legacy software, so we get no more support or new versions of that. If you want a new version from now on, you need to go to the cloud version, which means you need to subscribe. Also, I know you alluded to the contrary on your video, but you cannot directly tie your Neat software to Dropbox or OneDrive, etc. The only choice they give you is their own NeatCloud. So you need to have yet another cloud storage service even if you don't want it, plus you have to pay for it. I saw your explanation about exporting the data to PDF, etc. but that isn't a practical solution. I've used the NeatDesk for years and exporting everything I've scanned into Neat would more than double the amount of work I need to do. Let's admit they just make it so difficult to take your data out of the Neat walled-garden, that it discourages us from doing it. Even though they don't prohibit it, the fact that you have to save and put a file name on every single scan, adds unnecessary time consuming process, plus you lose your unified automatic OCR and search capabilities once you export. On the other hand, Neat makes it so easy to keep your data tied to their proprietary database, that you wouldn't want it any other way. The Neat software has all the hallmarks of proprietary software. It stores your images and all data into a database you cannot access from any other program, and the only way to view your documents in other programs is to export them at the expense of losing your OCR and search capabilities. Also, you cannot use an HP, Fujitsu, or any other scanner with the Neat Desktop software, so please don't tell me this is not proprietary. After you invest so much time and scan thousands of pages into the Neat system, it is totally impractical to store your documents any other way, because with any digital file storage system, you MUST be able to do searching, otherwise it is useless. This is why I find it impractical to just export your files to PDF because the problem is, what are you going to use to search through your PDF library? Windows is not going to help you with that, and Adobe even less. So this is why I consider that once you are in the NeatDesk world, you are stuck with it, because exporting is useless. Exporting is only good if you need to pull a document from your archive and exporting it to PDF to email it to someone, but having all your documents as PDF is practically useless. I truly understand the Neat software does a great job at scanning, OCR, search, etc., but please understand that it is a walled-garden of some kind and it is not, by any definition, an open-source system that is friendly to other systems in any sense of the word. Yes, you can export, but that is not a good, practical solution anyone should embrace. If that were the case, why buy a Neat scanner in the first place? Why not use the one built into my HP All-In-One printer? It will do exactly the same thing and I won't have to deal with the sometimes strange UI of the Neat software. Please don't take this review the wrong way. My only point here is to bring an objective eye to these products and ensure we are not biased.
The reality is; this was a great idea but now I fight every program to keep it running. Spent a lot of time and money just trying to close the last few weeks of 2016 tax receipts. More shutting down Cortana in MS win 10. Cannot stand stored in the cloud, cannot stand someone else controlling my computer. Sure as hell will no longer participate in any of that to include neets monthly cloud based fees.
hi mario, can help me with me dilemma. i cant access any of my saved documents from the neatdesk since i changed computers. i saved everything from the old hard drive onto an external and i have found those files hidden deep within, but the are encrypted and i cant view them. i am not the most computer savvy. thx TONY
I have an old Neat scanner( i think about 4 years old) that I am wanting to use to scan to my Google Drive FREE of charge. Can this be done without paying for Neat software monthly or yearly??? Please help me. Or should i just get rid of this scanner???????????
+John Feliciano I'm not sure about how to manage your particular setup, but I just got a laptop that runs Win8, so I'm about to find out how that goes! I will record the installation process and any troubleshooting I have to do. I know you can backup anywhere you want, but if you are saving as a Neat database, you can only have one working set of data. This makes sense because, Neat needs to know what is the complete and current set. It is able to do this with Neat on the desktop and NeatCloud, because they speak the same language.(so to speak). I'm anxious to see how that will work, when I install on the laptop. Will it disable the Neat Database on my desktop PC? Will it just sync everything, as long as I keep a NeatCloud subscription? We shall see! As far as saving as PDF to Dropbox, (which I don't do, but is possible) you really are not working within the Neat system, as far as I know. You are using Neat Scanner and software to save the document as a PDF, and choosing to keep the scan outside of Neat. If that place is Dropbox, you should be able to send and access PDFs from any computer. And you will just be adding documents to the Dropbox Folder. Does that make sense?
Good video, I learned a lot. Dropbox should give you more free storage for installing on more than one machine and for referring a friend. I would check it out on their site. Have a good one.
I have a neat scanner that I bought around 2010. I used it for a while and then put it away. I tried to use it again but when I called neat they said that it was from 2008 and it is no longer supported. Does anyone know what this means?
DEAR MIMI, CAN YOU PLEASE POST OR SEND ME THAT LINK? TODAY I CAN NOT FIND IT I SEE PRICES OF $200 MAYBE I AM USING THE WRONG APP , I WILL WATCH THIS AGAIN..... THANKS
Several years ago, I paid $399 for the NeatDesk Scanner and software and then invested hundreds of hours scanning documents and receipts. Recently, when I tried to open the program, a notice stated that "You must install this version (5.71.474) to continue using Neat." To my dismay, when I read the fine print, it stated that must agree to pay an additional $150 to enable the receipts and documents software. Meanwhile, I cannot open the program or access that many documents that I have scanned. If I had any clue that Neat could do this to me, I never would have purchased their product.
+Larry Kantor That's very strange. I've bought my NeatDesk 2 years ago and it's NEVER asked me to pay any additional money for software or upgrades. I have no idea what that's about.
Tehani Akana Yes, you can save to external hard drive, either as PDF, JPG, or about 10 other file formats. You still have to install the Neat software, but you don't have to use their OCR or sort tools if you don't want to. You just put your document in the scanner, and push the PDF button. A box will pop up on your computer screen asking you "Where do you want to save this?" and you just tell it to save to your external hard drive. That is one way to do it. Another way, is to scan a batch of documents into the Neat Software, and then tell it to export that whole folder to your external hard drive. You can designate how you want those documents saved (what type of file format). So yes, you can save one receipt or an entire year of docs with one click. (ok, maybe 2 clicks!) I think I demonstrate this in this video.
Hi, I just picked one of these up. I like the ability to simplify everything but... Here is my problem: Whenever I scan a document, no matter how straight I set up the page - it always rotates slightly while scanning, thus not having a straight document and cutting off some information. Any tips? Also there is no option for me to export a folder into anything! Just like everyone else I can only do it one at a time. Also when I push the physical PDF button on the machine itself it does not save the file to my computer.. at all! It just freezes.. Help please.
I have the same problem. some of the docs I'm feeding through "slips" to the side and crumples my paper or jams the machine. I have to hold the paper on the sides to try and keep it straight but usually end up with paper cuts. There should b some side guides because the inset is wider than the paper of 8.5". Any suggestions?
+TheVislow When you push the PDF button, it will open a small window asking where you would like to save the PDF and giving you a chance to give it a meaningful name. It's possible this window is popping up underneath your current window. I suggest minimizing the Neat Software window and I'm sure you will see this box. Just click ok, if it's already saving to the preferred document folder. Or navigate to a memorable folder on your computer, so you can locate it. Once you click ok, Neat will scan it, and open the document as a PDF so you can view and/or print it, email it, whatever.
+Mary Colbeck Hi Mary, I'm not sure. I don't ever have an issue with crumpled or jammed scans and I've been using my machine for 2 years. I need to fire up my NeatDesk and see what I do to avoid these problems. I think I just center it on the feed and hit scan. I will post back or make a video when I can.
Try reaching Neat Tech Support. I haven't had any luck getting my new ND-1000 Neat scanner working. I hung on their Live Chat for over an hour (they kept telling me I had a 6 minute wait). Phone support ran me in circles with recordings and no human ever answered. I have submitted multiple Neat Trouble Reports, no one responds.
I use my scanner largely to scan text books, and now that I've graduated, books for general reading, because I am dyslexic. I use reading software to read, and they have to be in Word documents to be able to use the software. Scanning them is the first step. I scan two sides at a time, and try to scan 5 sheets at a time. It crashes all the time. I am scanning to PDF because it saves steps in the process of making them readable for me, but even then it can take over a week to make a book readable. I am desperately hoping this stops the crashing. It would cut hours of the scanning time if I didn't have to constantly rescan things to make sure the pages are in the correct order.
Thank you for this video! I found it to be very informative and it gave me all the information I needed to purchase this scanner. I have only had it for a few weeks now and even with the newer software I'm finding that it is performing just as you have described. Since I never experienced the non-fee based software I don't feel like I'm loosing anything. More application these days are all moving to fee based software. I do realize that I'm about 3 years late to the game regarding this video but this scanner had done exactly what I needed it to do. And since most of what I'll be scanning is business related I will be writing off the expense of the software. Again thank you HeyMimI!!!!!
Hi Mimi. I am happy to find your videos of the NeatDesk. I am going to purchase one, but wanted your recommendation. What model do your have? And do you recommend going wireless? One more thing, have you had the problems with the software quitting? Sorry I am new to this completely!!!
+Sarah Chikuni Hi Sarah. I've had my NeatDesk for several years now and I still love it. My only gripe was that I wished it didn't have to be connected to a computer in order to work. So I finally ordered the NeatConnect and am waiting for it to arrive. I was just about to purchase it at Sams Club for $349, when I got an email offer from Neat to buy a refurbished NeatConnect for $249! It was just too good to pass up. Really excited to get it, because now I can take it from room to room, and scan wherever I happen to be working. Regarding the software quitting: only had that problem once. I made a video about it : ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html
Thanks for this video. I just started with Neat recently and I am trying to keep faith the it will work properly after I get through figuring out this glitch: I have 22 scans that are not processing & each time I open Neat it shuts down within a couple of minutes. I am on WIN8 & wondering if you ever had this issue? I am extremely surprised that getting Neat help by phone & online is painfully lacking in speed & efficiency. I WANTED this to work well for our small business; hopefully it's a bad hiccup. Any insight much appreciated, I am on a deadline to get my stuff scanned & ready for my accountant. Thanks.
Lisa Fox Valdes Lisa, I did have this exact problem! It's the only time I've had to use Neat support and I was relieved how easily they solved the problem. I hate calling on the phone for tech-support. So after trying to fix it myself, I ended up using their free "live chat" feature and they fixed it for me in less than 15 minutes (including wait time). HERE IS WHAT IS HAPPENING: one scan gets caught in the "queue" somehow, and it causes a traffic jam. So every time, I would open Neat to scan something, it would get stuck behind the one file that one "jammed" file. The live chat tech either deleted the stuck file, or told me how to clear it (I can't remember which, now). Once that one scan was removed, the coast was clear for all the back-up scans to go ahead and process normally. Does that make sense? It has only happened to me once, a few months ago, and never happened again. So don't despair! I'm going to post this reply, and then I'll track down the link to the "live chat" that I used. I'll post again in a minute! Mimi
You are amazing & generous too - thank you! I am so relieved that you are sharing this fix & super grateful for your time & effort. (FYI I have to get to it tomorrow...) THX again!
Lisa Fox Valdes Hi again, Lisa! I'm excited when I just happen to know the answer to question, and can be of some help. Here is the link where I found the excellent and quick chat-help: www.neat.com/support-options/ It seems to me, that I was able to use it because I was a subscriber to Neat Cloud. I just have the $5.99 a month option, but if you just got your NeatDesk in the past 30-60 days, you may still be on your free trial subscription.. which should allow you to use it. (I would think). Neat will probably hate me for saying this, but I clicked on the "Paid Cloud Subscriber" option, clicked "technical" in the "Chat Online" option, and it opened up the chat-box window. I wan't even logged in. Maybe they check your status, once you start chatting. I'm not sure! I must say, this is just one more reason I think the $6 a month cloud subscription is a bargain. 1. It syncs your data between multiple computers2. You can use your mobile devices to review, categorize and work on your data.3. You can use your iPad or iPhone camera as scanner, up to 45 times per month.4. AND you get access to this online chat support.To me, it is sooo worth it! Sorry, didn't mean to launch into a sales pitch. But I think it's a bargain. :)
Lisa Fox Valdes Hi Lisa, If you haven't already resolved the issue with NeatDesk: I've made a video on how I was able to get the problem fixed. Here's the link to the video: ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html
2017 Neat user with A new 2016 desk top with Window 10. This program WAS purchased in 2013, and worked just fine until UPDATE 2016 was installed by the NEAT COMPANY. Every week since the update, I have had nothing but frustrating issues. So here are the most frequent issures: FIRST: Scan the document, WHICH quickly scans 1 single document or up to 15 documents. However, processing the documents WILL take a long time, sometimes (lately Daily) the computer shows a circle rotating up at the top of the computer screen, stating PENDING. This Pending status may take 1 minute up to unknown! Ths is a pain, one small receipt may still be SCANNING, after an hour, during which I am unable to do ANYTHING else with the neat, I am finally so FRUSTRATED waiting, I call NEAT HELP LINE. I explain I am having issues, "Pending status appears frozen". While a document is pending I am unable to scan additional documents or switch tasks to go into other file and up date the fields. Virtually I am FROZEN out of this program. My only solution at this point is to call into the help line, get the help line to delete and start again. It takes a few hours for me to obtain this help. This issue has been my issue since I began using the program in December 2016, which as stated was after the current program up date. The memory slow down (or my thought program "freezes") has now appeared daily, today twice, first thing in morning then after Help line fixed the issue again in the afternoon! I have left the computer running an entire day, hoping the two page document would finally be processed. I have hundreds of pieces of paper work to be scanned into a variety of files. I have limited my choices to Two type of scanned choices: DOCUMENT or RECEIPT Issue #2: After a document is ACTUALLY finished processing, I open the tab to check and correct the fields. When I click on save, I often get a RED circle with an exclamation mark, stating it was not processed. HELP LINE SUGGESTED; "don't let that bother me. They do not know why this is happening to EVERYONE." The people at Neat only tell the customer they are Working on these issues. I find this answer after two months unacceptable. I do not appreciate PAYING a monthly fee for something that doesn't work as originally planned, when purchased in 2013. I do have ONE help representative, and one complaint number, to always get me back to one help desk operator, but it takes her at least an hour to return my call. ANYONE ELSE HAVING PROBLEMS?
I have a very simple question for any of your NeatDesk users . I acquired one at a garage sale and I'm just trying to determine if it works . I don't have any software and I don't want to hook it up to a computer ..I just want to see if its junk or not..I turn it on and the green lights come on I put a piece of paper in it and I hit the scan button and nothing happens ..does it have to be connected to a computer to do something or is my item broke
Mimi, your obviously a "Fanboy" of the Neat scanner. On the other hand, if it is working great for you, that's all the matters. But I think others should know - I tried it, knowing it as the "only" document solution because of the commercials as it's the first area I needed to delve into. Let me tell you with 18+ years of experience - you ARE right the older videos are a LITTLE biased. BUT - there are things I found that still exist here in November 2015 with the NeatConnect scanner, and more than likely worse with the NeatDesk scanner that has been reported before - It doesn't feed the documents half the time, when it does it will feed crooked sometimes and CONTINUE, wrecking the document even with the paper guides set properly (again, the NeatConnect model I have) - the ScanSnap doesn't do this. Biggest issue - and that's with their Wireless NeatConnect scanner - It is LOCKED for Wireless scanning to their NeatCloud service so it can ONLY do OCR and put it into the program. Now, if that isn't proprietary, what is? Sure, you can scan to Dropbox etc. but then you need to do manual OCR. You can't use it wirelessly either to a computer. You have to use a USB cable. What's the point for buying the thing for almost $500 when you can get a ScanSnap that can scan to a OCR'd PDF immediately as good or likely better (and if you want even better OCR, do ABBYY FineReader Searchable PDF, which is included too) for $419 from Newegg, AND you can use ANY software you choose? Overall, the scanner hardware is comparable, but the Feed mechanism and software is HORRIBLE - especially the company's support. Look at all the poor reviews on Amazon RECENTLY. I had to deal with their phone system with is indescribable - there is literally no way you can get to a human without LYING to it - it will hang up on you even with a valid account. The end point is it's a good try - but the company is selling poor software, mediocre hardware (possibly even poor), and non-existent support.
+Chris F I guess I'm sort of a fan-girl for the Neat Scanner, but only because I've had a good experience with mine for several years now. Honestly, very few problems, and never any of the ones you describe with the document feed! I don't know if you've seen my other videos on NeatDesk, but I do have several that describe my frustration with their confusing website and tech support. I feel I'm very honest and fair in my assessment. I can't comment on the NeatConnect, because I don't have that .. but the NeatDESK is less than $300 if you shop around. I paid $300 2 years ago. Your other points about NeatDesk and OCR are just plain incorrect and more of the same baloney that I complain about in this video. NeatDesk can use ALL those OCR PDF to all the software that SnapScan does. SnapScan does not come with that software either. Both products can take advantage of those 3rd Party options. Sorry Chris, but you are still repeating the same myths I found to be untrue.
I also have NeatDesk and it is a very nice way to organize receipts and documents. I really love that I can print to neat. I don't understand the negative reviews either.
I also have NeatDesk and it is a very nice way to organize receipts and documents. I really love that I can print to neat. I don't understand the negative reviews either.
We'll just say, different strokes for different folks :-) It is a good product/idea, but it does have some flaws. If people are happy with what they use, EXCELLENT!. But my opinion is my opinion, and I could argue on some points but why do it? As fo the software, yes, it does Mimi. Do I need to send you the install disc? Regardless - Back to what I said. Enjoy your Neat scanners! The greatest thing is that is simplifies paperwork and archiving :-)
Same, I’m in on windows 10 as well. And I had it brand new in the box and accidentally threw out the disk and I was able to download the software online for free the only thing you can’t utilize is the app for your phone it doesn’t even give you the option to do it without the subscription. Technically though as long as it works I don’t actually need the app, though it would definitely be nice. I think it’s absolutely ludicrous they charge you for a subscription after you just dropped a fuck-ton on the product itself. It’s rude af 🙄🤬
Hey can we just see you use the NeatDesk organizer? You're going on at length about things I don;t think are important to the review, like other users and their reviews, exporting to third party cloud storage etc. What I expect to see on a review is the functionality of the scanning process, the software and it's auto document sorting and the search function.
Robert Graham Hi Robert, thanks for the comment. I have 3 videos about NeatDesk, but I don't think I called any of them a review. That wasn't the goal of my videos. The first one ua-cam.com/video/rzOOUOSl81s/v-deo.html was a first impression and reaction to the misinformation that kept me from purchasing NeatDesk for years. This video too, is another attempt to set the record straight, because people kept posting false statements in the comments of the first video. After posting this video, regarding exporting, those false statements finally stopped! And the 3rd video ( ua-cam.com/video/uFntVb8_yIE/v-deo.html ) is just trying to help people get Neat software installed, so that they don't give up on the product too soon. Those were my goals of making these videos. I'm not sure if I will make the type of video you want, because it seems impossible to show the software in action without displaying all sorts of personal financial information on youTube! I've tried to include footage like that, but found it impossible without blurring the entire screen, for privacy. The only way I can think of to do it, is to make an entire folder of dummy documents, with absolutely no personal information, just a bunch of ads and sheet music, I guess. I just really am not up for the task right now. But if I run out of topics, and have a bunch of time on my hands ... maybe I will post that video! Sorry, I can't help you out there. Mimi
You can only back it up or access your documents WHEN IT IS WORKING!!! For years now, it will work for a few minutes, and then the error messages come and it locks up. DON'T BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you watched my video: Fix Neat Crashes? ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html Also Neat has phased out the desktop software and switched to an app/cloud based system. As of 4/30/16, they won't provide live support for the old software. I haven't looked into this fully yet, but I suspect it coincides with the almost-forced upgrades to Windows 10. I think it's smart of them to host the software in the cloud because of the endless possible hardware and operating systems they keep trying to troubleshoot for. The question is: Do you HAVE to pay for a cloud account to use the scanner now? You still have the option to save to Evernote, Google Docs, Dropbox or your own hard-drive.
Neat is not good for your money (about $400.00 plus). I bought 2 Neat Scanner, they scan with big black strike in middle of page. Sometime the color comes black, or dark red, or purple... The first time that so the commercial on TV, I went to internet an bought one. Bad luck, it did not work properly, with big strike in the middle and covering 1/3 of page! Few months later, I bought another one from Staples in Queens NY, it lasted for few months with same problem as the first one... Someone in internet suggested to clean them with alcohol... It didn't work!!!
My problem is not with the software. My needs are pretty basic so the software is probably more powerful than I need. A few bumps with the software but overall is fine. My problem is with the scanner itself. When I first got it, it worked great, but over time had to start force feeding paper through, started pulling multiple pages at once which causes me to have to start over. Getting the thing to calibrate is a MAJOR hurdle. The calibration sheets that come with it aren't worth a flip. It errors every time with them so I have to use the printed version from my printer. Even then I have to calibrate it 6-8 times in a row successfully. My desk is anything but NEAT. Throwing in trash and getting a Fujitsu FI-7160. Only bad review I've seen on it is the price, which I'm willing to pay to have a "NEAT" desk.
On March 1, 2016, the Neat Company posted an announcement that it is ending support for Neat Desktop as of March 31, 2016. Meaning it will stop fixing bugs and allowing new downloads. If past behavior is any indication, the next OS update will break Neat Desktop but now the company won't fix it. Instead, Neat demands that its customers subscribe to its new cloud software. That's a minimum of $72 per year. Read it and weep: www.neat.com/helpcenter/legacy-support/
+Laura Calderon I still love my NeatDesk, 2 years later! My only complaint was that it only worked when hooked up to a computer. I just ordered a refurbished NeatConnect, which is completely wireless. I plan on doing a review on it, after I've used it awhile.
HeyMimi DIY, I found your video informative... You do still sound like you work for NEAT though too much stress on cheap cloud service, lol. I am trying to just use this thing as a document scanner and put this on a hard drive as i don't trust cloud services, there is no such thing as a "secure cloud" Neat locked out my account because I misspelled my first employers name and now I haven't heard back from them. This company will not even take my calls to unlock it. It seems to me that this company is not out to help the customer succeed unless it overfills their pockets with $$$ while doing so.
Yes, it's definitely outdated. The video is from 2014. I'm working on an updated video that addresses changes to Neat software/app. I now have the wifi version, but I don't use it much anymore and I'm tired of paying $5/mo for the cloud service. My new video will address how (and if) you can use the machine without a paid subscription and without using the Neat desktop app at all. I haven't deleted the video because I want to link this old traffic to my updated video. Stay tuned.
Just curious what all you people feel now after the 5 years, all can no longer use there Neat system unless you pay the extortion fee per month which most of us did not pay into when we purchased. If your paying after they changed then that is fine and your choice. Read the reviews you find on Google, 95%+ of the reviews are way negative. So don't take this OLD UA-cam to heart. Glad you WERE happy HeyMimi DIY, id' be surprised if your still paying the monthly extortion fee...
I need to do an update on Neat Desk. Software situation has changed a LOT since I made my NeatDesk videos. Neat no longer supports the desktop software but the machine can still be used with or without a NeatCloud subscription.
When My NeatDesk Document Scanner worked normally, it was a joy to use. After it began to malfunction, not so much. I currently have an open ticket with the company's helpdesk. I have documented my issue at every stage along the way and WILL let you your readers know how this is resolved. HeyMimi DIY is commenting on her experience with one machine (I suspect). To make a sound judgement regarding the company's product you must have a sampling of enough units to be representative of the whole of the average machine and the associated customer experience. My experience would reflect much of what HeyMimi DIY said. However, you all need to know what happens when you have a glitch and something goes wrong. For no more than it will cost, getting a guarantee of customer service follow-up, should you have a problem, is well worth the money. I would purchase the "Get NeatCare just in case. The company doesn't seem real concerned about my issue. What a disappointment! It started shortly after starting to use the scanner heading into tax preparation, April, 2014. The scanner picks up data in three vertical fields across the page of any document scanned, essentially columns. After scanning about fifty (50) of my documents, one of the pages had images that looked like Hieroglyphics in the third column of the page. You know, little squares, lines and symbols that computers spit out when they have corrupted data. I think most readers here will appreciate where this is going. I wrote the company at that time, complaining about the problem and placed a request for assistance. I will admit, there has been some delay getting this resolved and much of the problem has been my inability to play office equipment repair man. I run a owner/operator business and have little time to spend fixing electronics. The response time regarding follow up from the company is long and they do NOT have customer service built into the price of this equipment. The options you have are not the best. There is Standard Support, the read and learn option with some praying involved, Monday thru Friday. Then the Priority Support which adds an hour to the business day, Saturday and Sunday business hours and phone access. And the Priority Plus Support which adds a priority phone queue. Note: There will be a video follow up regarding the outcome. Today I am taking this to them and will not relent until this is done.
Homeoffice I apologize for my snippy response. Your comment showed up in my alerts as a comment on a brand new Neat video I just posted last night ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html in which I *complain* about Neat email support! So, I felt you hadn't actually watched the video, but just used the comment section to vent. I completely empathize with your frustration. I feel it too. But I disagree that customer service is not built in. I have another video I'm about to post on this exact topic. EMAIL support stinks, I agree. Phone support and Online Chat are built in, and I found online chat to be quick and helpful, and FREE. Sorry, for the previous attitude! Mimi
Here are all my NeatDesk & Neat Software videos (as of 2/18/15): ----------------------------- Getting Tech Support: ua-cam.com/video/EQ3GoAf1E3A/v-deo.html Neat Desk Has Stopped Working:ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html 3 Things You Should Know About NeatDesk: ua-cam.com/video/rzOOUOSl81s/v-deo.html NeatDesk Export and Backup: ua-cam.com/video/AnxLzJpAS74/v-deo.html (that's this video) Neat 5.5 Installation Woes: ua-cam.com/video/uFntVb8_yIE/v-deo.html
Do not buy a Neat scanner: This is a Junk item, No one answer your question, Bad design*), bad software**), unresponsive design team. They do not care about malfunctions, do not care about customer.
Hello Miimi, I get dark copies when I scan. This means more wasted ink and unsightly copies. How do I resolve this issue? I put in a sheet of white paper and I expect to bet a white copy instead of this grey copy. Can you help?
HeyMimi DIY thanks a lot, i have been struggling for a while to use my neatdesk scanner. Unfortunately i lost the manual sometime last year and i haven't been able to use my scanner to its full potential, but your tutorials have been a wonderful experience and i am currently able to scan and save documents in different folders. Thanks again and have a lovely day.
This is the best scanner I've ever purchased! HOWEVER, I CANNOT USE IT UNLESS I PAY NEAT EVERY MONTH for the rest of my life.!!! Whether I use the NEAT CLOUD or just save it onto my computer, It cannot be used at all unless you pay Neat every month for as long as you own the stupid beautiful thing. Even if it was a dollar a month, its a scam from the first day I purchased it :-((
I just bought the Neat Desk today and spent hours trying to get it to work with Windows8...I bought the Neat,based on your review,not solely,but you helped to sway me with your fervor for this product...
We had to put it on a very slow older computer with windows XP to work...We tried numerous times to call customer service to no avail...All they want you to do is email somebody,when I want to TALK!!
Dnew Blackmessiah Sorry to hear you had so much trouble! I installed it on a Windows8 Laptop without any problems, last month. Did you see my latest 2 videos on getting on getting live help? If you purchased the NeatDesk in the past 60 Days, you can easily get live technical help See this page: www.neat.com/support-options/
+HeyMimi DIY This is a dead link :(
Hi Mimi,
I purchased this scanner and it's been an unopened dust collector in my closet for several years. Many of the old review videos had me discouraged, primarily that you couldn't back up to an alternate cloud other than Neat. Can you also back up to a local network drive? Also, what's the average size of you total neat data base? Thanks for your awesome reviews :)
Great review! I am buying it today. As a computer repair shop owner, I see user issues that are mistaking for product issues all the time! Most of the time it's a user issue. Example: "I will never buy another Dell, becaouse I keep getting viruses!" LOL Keep up the great reviews, John
Thanks! And yes, I agree John. I've always felt that Neat Co was fighting a losing battle with customer satisfaction because there are just so many variables including the user misunderstanding something in the installation process, insufficient hardware, and constantly changing operating systems. Neat's marketing dept did a great job of selling how easy it was to use; but I think they underestimated how much people just want every peripheral to be "plug and play." Maybe they oversold the "Easy" thing. Just last month, Neat switched from "legacy" software to a desktop app/cloud system, which I suspect is their way of trying to bypass user issues. Both the desktop and mobile apps are a free download.
I know Neat will get criticized for trying to "force" people to subscribe to their NeatCloud service. But as far as I can tell, the desktop app still allows you to use a Neat Scanner to send data anywhere you want: you can send it to your printer, your hard drive, google drive, Evernote, Dropbox or just email it to yourself. I hope it helps people use their scanners without having to mess with the software installation and updates.
What about having to either purchase/subrcribe to Neat's Cloud to update Neat software for a 2013 scanner. I tried via Intuit but that created a new quickbooks online acct which is totally separate from my QkBks 2013 existing software package. I do not understand how these companies get away with these bait and switch deals where one purchases a product for several hundred dollars, which goes obsolete in a year or so without having to pay them more????!!!!
I just bought one... new in the box for 150 bucks. It's a Connect. The 500 dollar unit. I did scans the old way forever. I saw this video and figured for 150 I can't go wrong. Now... anyone reading this... she is correct. Super easy to ues took me 4 minutes to set up. Why would I buy this knowing (no tech support and unsupported ) I did not need them. Again she is correct super easy and convenient. I wanted one for years just didn't like the price. I thought I only got 45 scans a month or something. Mimi explained that correctly. Long story short... Thanks Mimi !!!
I've had the neat scanner for 8 months. I purchased a new computer and had it installed. I get errors all the time, it freezes daily and now wants to sync with the cloud. I haven't got the cloud because I'm very unsure of the privacy issues but know my system shows that it needs to sync. It pops up after every scan. Getting help from Neat is impossible. It also won't back up onto my computer. Any ideas?
neat cloud is a joke and scam. don't worry about privacy, because it does not even work. takes 5 hours to download 10 files. are you kidding me. It's a scam because once you have hundred of files uploaded to that scam cloud there is no way to get them out of that shit to your local machine. YOu have to pay hundred to use it or you are locked out. and even you paid that much you still have download about 1 files in about half a hour . what a joke as well as this stupid woman don't know what she's talking about.
At this point in time you do not know the international laws behind cLoud, just get out and go focoffee. I do not work for NEAT, I am a truck driver and NEAT does help my life a great deal; from distribution, contacts, payments, taxes, accruals; just read and learn how to use it; there is no limitations for this little scanner and software. Just keep educating yourself. It will not replace your brain, you have to have it to use it.
This is a solid review. Audio quality and editing is professional.
I just bought mine but I can't get it to work or get any support.
Got a question for you: when I scan the receipts, scan items in this order- item type has the $ sign, then status column, then description with vendor name, date, $ amount, credit card, then next column has comments, and lastly date created. how can I correct this?
I cleaned my NEAT. had it for years. Didnt use. Too many problem. Now seems to work BUT all scanned docs are very light. Unreadable. How do you change the brightness/contrast. Ive calibrated from menu several times. Still very light. Thanks.
I am hoping you can help...I have the neat scanner and when i scan to my neatcloud, it will not show up under the neatconnect tab on my desktop software...how do i fix this?
Hi Mimi if I have to use a different PC will I loose my data base. Can I use the scanner on two PC's, I set up the data base folder on my DropBox, What I want to do is run the Scanner on two PC but, from the same data base that I have on DropBox.
Thank you for sharing. I have a lot of questions with using it. When I scan, the scanned looks dark, what should I do to make it clear.
I am trying to connect my NeatDesk but It will not show up and connect. I have tried reaching out to neat and no one will help me.
do you have any info on this?
Hey Mimi, how many business cards maximum can you put in the business card tray?
after you scan receipts will it give you the sum? monthly, yearly?
hi, my problem is that after inputting 2yrs worth of receipts, i had to change computers. i had know idea when i purchased the machine that i would also have to purchase a monthly subscription plan. after not using the my machine for many months, i cant get any of my info to link onto my new computer. i found the files but they are encripted. i cant reach anyone at neat unless i purchase a phone plan for $49.99. my only option now is to just return the unit but i would still like to retrieve my documents which i now need for tax purchases. can anyone help me. thanks
Now that Neat Desk no longer supports updates to this program what do you do? I updated from the original version 4.3 to 5.5? Since I downloaded this upgrade how can I find the same downloadable version for my other windows 7 PC as I want to install it on the other PC and use my backup file to import my files. The later versions I found doesn't play well with my current 5.5 ver. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!
Hi HeyMimi DIY, I know it's now 2017, but do they have a newer model now? Also, If I wanted to scan in social security cards and driver's licenses without storing into the software, and instead, upload it as a pdf to a service such as office 365, would I have to manually delete it from the local computer, or software?
when you export to excel file can you actually see the receipt in the excel workbook?
Do you know how to remove a thick black image down the middle of the scan? It appears to be the size of the feed roller, I have completely cleaned the unit.
+Yvonne Bedient Sorry, I haven't had a problem like that. Wish I could be of more help.
calibrate your scanner
Mimi, I thought in this video you had an overly defensive attitude of this product which clearly shows bias in its favor. I am not sure I trust reviews that carry so much color.
Yes, you can use the NeatDesk without the subscription. However, please don't deny the fact that the Neat company is moving in the direction of having their customers pay monthly for the use of their service and they clearly want everyone to do so. They are slowly but surely closing the doors on those who want to remain without the subscription. They just shut the doors on the legacy software, so we get no more support or new versions of that. If you want a new version from now on, you need to go to the cloud version, which means you need to subscribe.
Also, I know you alluded to the contrary on your video, but you cannot directly tie your Neat software to Dropbox or OneDrive, etc. The only choice they give you is their own NeatCloud. So you need to have yet another cloud storage service even if you don't want it, plus you have to pay for it. I saw your explanation about exporting the data to PDF, etc. but that isn't a practical solution. I've used the NeatDesk for years and exporting everything I've scanned into Neat would more than double the amount of work I need to do. Let's admit they just make it so difficult to take your data out of the Neat walled-garden, that it discourages us from doing it. Even though they don't prohibit it, the fact that you have to save and put a file name on every single scan, adds unnecessary time consuming process, plus you lose your unified automatic OCR and search capabilities once you export. On the other hand, Neat makes it so easy to keep your data tied to their proprietary database, that you wouldn't want it any other way.
The Neat software has all the hallmarks of proprietary software. It stores your images and all data into a database you cannot access from any other program, and the only way to view your documents in other programs is to export them at the expense of losing your OCR and search capabilities. Also, you cannot use an HP, Fujitsu, or any other scanner with the Neat Desktop software, so please don't tell me this is not proprietary.
After you invest so much time and scan thousands of pages into the Neat system, it is totally impractical to store your documents any other way, because with any digital file storage system, you MUST be able to do searching, otherwise it is useless. This is why I find it impractical to just export your files to PDF because the problem is, what are you going to use to search through your PDF library? Windows is not going to help you with that, and Adobe even less. So this is why I consider that once you are in the NeatDesk world, you are stuck with it, because exporting is useless. Exporting is only good if you need to pull a document from your archive and exporting it to PDF to email it to someone, but having all your documents as PDF is practically useless.
I truly understand the Neat software does a great job at scanning, OCR, search, etc., but please understand that it is a walled-garden of some kind and it is not, by any definition, an open-source system that is friendly to other systems in any sense of the word. Yes, you can export, but that is not a good, practical solution anyone should embrace. If that were the case, why buy a Neat scanner in the first place? Why not use the one built into my HP All-In-One printer? It will do exactly the same thing and I won't have to deal with the sometimes strange UI of the Neat software.
Please don't take this review the wrong way. My only point here is to bring an objective eye to these products and ensure we are not biased.
The reality is; this was a great idea but now I fight every program to keep it running. Spent a lot of time and money just trying to close the last few weeks of 2016 tax receipts. More shutting down Cortana in MS win 10. Cannot stand stored in the cloud, cannot stand someone else controlling my computer. Sure as hell will no longer participate in any of that to include neets monthly cloud based fees.
hi mario, can help me with me dilemma. i cant access any of my saved documents from the neatdesk since i changed computers. i saved everything from the old hard drive onto an external and i have found those files hidden deep within, but the are encrypted and i cant view them. i am not the most computer savvy. thx TONY
the fact you have to have a subscription and continue to pay them just for the dan thing to work moots your review and ultimately your point entirely
I have an old Neat scanner( i think about 4 years old) that I am wanting to use to scan to my Google Drive FREE of charge. Can this be done without paying for Neat software monthly or yearly??? Please help me. Or should i just get rid of this scanner???????????
Mimi, what a great video. You should be working for Neat! I got more detail from watching your video then I got from the start up on Neat. Thank you!
+50myles Thank you so much for the nice comment!
+John Feliciano I'm not sure about how to manage your particular setup, but I just got a laptop that runs Win8, so I'm about to find out how that goes! I will record the installation process and any troubleshooting I have to do. I know you can backup anywhere you want, but if you are saving as a Neat database, you can only have one working set of data. This makes sense because, Neat needs to know what is the complete and current set. It is able to do this with Neat on the desktop and NeatCloud, because they speak the same language.(so to speak). I'm anxious to see how that will work, when I install on the laptop. Will it disable the Neat Database on my desktop PC? Will it just sync everything, as long as I keep a NeatCloud subscription? We shall see!
As far as saving as PDF to Dropbox, (which I don't do, but is possible) you really are not working within the Neat system, as far as I know. You are using Neat Scanner and software to save the document as a PDF, and choosing to keep the scan outside of Neat. If that place is Dropbox, you should be able to send and access PDFs from any computer. And you will just be adding documents to the Dropbox Folder. Does that make sense?
Good video, I learned a lot. Dropbox should give you more free storage for installing on more than one machine and for referring a friend. I would check it out on their site. Have a good one.
Thank you!
I have a neat scanner that I bought around 2010. I used it for a while and then put it away. I tried to use it again but when I called neat they said that it was from 2008 and it is no longer supported. Does anyone know what this means?
It basically means you're out of luck. There is NO support. They will NOT help you. This happened to me as well. Sorry for the bad news.
DEAR MIMI, CAN YOU PLEASE POST OR SEND ME THAT LINK? TODAY I CAN NOT FIND IT I SEE PRICES OF $200 MAYBE I AM USING THE WRONG APP , I WILL WATCH THIS AGAIN..... THANKS
Several years ago, I paid $399 for the NeatDesk Scanner and software and then invested hundreds of hours scanning documents and receipts. Recently, when I tried to open the program, a notice stated that "You must install this version (5.71.474) to continue using Neat." To my dismay, when I read the fine print, it stated that must agree to pay an additional $150 to enable the receipts and documents software. Meanwhile, I cannot open the program or access that many documents that I have scanned. If I had any clue that Neat could do this to me, I never would have purchased their product.
+Larry Kantor That's very strange. I've bought my NeatDesk 2 years ago and it's NEVER asked me to pay any additional money for software or upgrades. I have no idea what that's about.
Hang in there, you are a great help. Out of time will be back.
I am looking into getting myself a neat desk. Can I just save everything to an external hard drive?
Tehani Akana Yes, you can save to external hard drive, either as PDF, JPG, or about 10 other file formats. You still have to install the Neat software, but you don't have to use their OCR or sort tools if you don't want to. You just put your document in the scanner, and push the PDF button. A box will pop up on your computer screen asking you "Where do you want to save this?" and you just tell it to save to your external hard drive. That is one way to do it. Another way, is to scan a batch of documents into the Neat Software, and then tell it to export that whole folder to your external hard drive. You can designate how you want those documents saved (what type of file format). So yes, you can save one receipt or an entire year of docs with one click. (ok, maybe 2 clicks!) I think I demonstrate this in this video.
Hi, I just picked one of these up. I like the ability to simplify everything but...
Here is my problem:
Whenever I scan a document, no matter how straight I set up the page - it always rotates slightly while scanning, thus not having a straight document and cutting off some information.
Any tips?
Also there is no option for me to export a folder into anything! Just like everyone else I can only do it one at a time. Also when I push the physical PDF button on the machine itself it does not save the file to my computer.. at all! It just freezes.. Help please.
I have the same problem. some of the docs I'm feeding through "slips" to the side and crumples my paper or jams the machine. I have to hold the paper on the sides to try and keep it straight but usually end up with paper cuts. There should b some side guides because the inset is wider than the paper of 8.5". Any suggestions?
+TheVislow When you push the PDF button, it will open a small window asking where you would like to save the PDF and giving you a chance to give it a meaningful name. It's possible this window is popping up underneath your current window. I suggest minimizing the Neat Software window and I'm sure you will see this box. Just click ok, if it's already saving to the preferred document folder. Or navigate to a memorable folder on your computer, so you can locate it. Once you click ok, Neat will scan it, and open the document as a PDF so you can view and/or print it, email it, whatever.
+Mary Colbeck Hi Mary, I'm not sure. I don't ever have an issue with crumpled or jammed scans and I've been using my machine for 2 years. I need to fire up my NeatDesk and see what I do to avoid these problems. I think I just center it on the feed and hit scan. I will post back or make a video when I can.
Try reaching Neat Tech Support. I haven't had any luck getting my new ND-1000 Neat scanner working. I hung on their Live Chat for over an hour (they kept telling me I had a 6 minute wait). Phone support ran me in circles with recordings and no human ever answered. I have submitted multiple Neat Trouble Reports, no one responds.
Hey MiMi,
do you have to purchase the cloud services to use the scanner? I would only like to export receipts to pdf's thats all
I would like to know the same thing? Please answer when you get a second. Thanks
Don't wast your time. look for a comparable scanner and software. There are several out there with better reviews.
how is this different than a regular $60 scanner?
I use my scanner largely to scan text books, and now that I've graduated, books for general reading, because I am dyslexic. I use reading software to read, and they have to be in Word documents to be able to use the software. Scanning them is the first step. I scan two sides at a time, and try to scan 5 sheets at a time. It crashes all the time. I am scanning to PDF because it saves steps in the process of making them readable for me, but even then it can take over a week to make a book readable. I am desperately hoping this stops the crashing. It would cut hours of the scanning time if I didn't have to constantly rescan things to make sure the pages are in the correct order.
Thank you for this video! I found it to be very informative and it gave me all the information I needed to purchase this scanner. I have only had it for a few weeks now and even with the newer software I'm finding that it is performing just as you have described. Since I never experienced the non-fee based software I don't feel like I'm loosing anything. More application these days are all moving to fee based software. I do realize that I'm about 3 years late to the game regarding this video but this scanner had done exactly what I needed it to do. And since most of what I'll be scanning is business related I will be writing off the expense of the software. Again thank you HeyMimI!!!!!
Mimi, thank you; great lesson. I continue tolearn and be amazed with this little guy.
Hi Mimi. I am happy to find your videos of the NeatDesk. I am going to purchase one, but wanted your recommendation. What model do your have? And do you recommend going wireless? One more thing, have you had the problems with the software quitting? Sorry I am new to this completely!!!
+Sarah Chikuni Hi Sarah. I've had my NeatDesk for several years now and I still love it. My only gripe was that I wished it didn't have to be connected to a computer in order to work. So I finally ordered the NeatConnect and am waiting for it to arrive. I was just about to purchase it at Sams Club for $349, when I got an email offer from Neat to buy a refurbished NeatConnect for $249! It was just too good to pass up. Really excited to get it, because now I can take it from room to room, and scan wherever I happen to be working. Regarding the software quitting: only had that problem once. I made a video about it : ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html
Thanks for this video. I just started with Neat recently and I am trying to keep faith the it will work properly after I get through figuring out this glitch: I have 22 scans that are not processing & each time I open Neat it shuts down within a couple of minutes. I am on WIN8 & wondering if you ever had this issue? I am extremely surprised that getting Neat help by phone & online is painfully lacking in speed & efficiency. I WANTED this to work well for our small business; hopefully it's a bad hiccup. Any insight much appreciated, I am on a deadline to get my stuff scanned & ready for my accountant. Thanks.
Lisa Fox Valdes Lisa, I did have this exact problem! It's the only time I've had to use Neat support and I was relieved how easily they solved the problem. I hate calling on the phone for tech-support. So after trying to fix it myself, I ended up using their free "live chat" feature and they fixed it for me in less than 15 minutes (including wait time). HERE IS WHAT IS HAPPENING: one scan gets caught in the "queue" somehow, and it causes a traffic jam. So every time, I would open Neat to scan something, it would get stuck behind the one file that one "jammed" file. The live chat tech either deleted the stuck file, or told me how to clear it (I can't remember which, now). Once that one scan was removed, the coast was clear for all the back-up scans to go ahead and process normally. Does that make sense? It has only happened to me once, a few months ago, and never happened again. So don't despair! I'm going to post this reply, and then I'll track down the link to the "live chat" that I used. I'll post again in a minute! Mimi
You are amazing & generous too - thank you! I am so relieved that you are sharing this fix & super grateful for your time & effort. (FYI I have to get to it tomorrow...) THX again!
Lisa Fox Valdes Hi again, Lisa! I'm excited when I just happen to know the answer to question, and can be of some help. Here is the link where I found the excellent and quick chat-help: www.neat.com/support-options/ It seems to me, that I was able to use it because I was a subscriber to Neat Cloud. I just have the $5.99 a month option, but if you just got your NeatDesk in the past 30-60 days, you may still be on your free trial subscription.. which should allow you to use it. (I would think). Neat will probably hate me for saying this, but I clicked on the "Paid Cloud Subscriber" option, clicked "technical" in the "Chat Online" option, and it opened up the chat-box window. I wan't even logged in. Maybe they check your status, once you start chatting. I'm not sure! I must say, this is just one more reason I think the $6 a month cloud subscription is a bargain. 1. It syncs your data between multiple computers2. You can use your mobile devices to review, categorize and work on your data.3. You can use your iPad or iPhone camera as scanner, up to 45 times per month.4. AND you get access to this online chat support.To me, it is sooo worth it! Sorry, didn't mean to launch into a sales pitch. But I think it's a bargain. :)
Lisa Fox Valdes Hi Lisa, If you haven't already resolved the issue with NeatDesk: I've made a video on how I was able to get the problem fixed. Here's the link to the video: ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html
+HeyMimi DIY This is a dead link.
2017 Neat user with A new 2016 desk top with Window 10.
This program WAS purchased in 2013, and worked just fine until UPDATE 2016 was installed by the NEAT COMPANY.
Every week since the update, I have had nothing but frustrating issues.
So here are the most frequent issures:
FIRST: Scan the document, WHICH
quickly scans 1 single document or up to 15 documents.
However, processing the documents WILL take a long time, sometimes (lately Daily) the computer shows a circle rotating up at the top of the computer screen, stating PENDING. This Pending status may take 1 minute up to unknown!
Ths is a pain, one small receipt may still be SCANNING, after an hour, during which I am unable to do ANYTHING else with the neat, I am finally so FRUSTRATED waiting, I call NEAT HELP LINE.
I explain I am having issues, "Pending status appears frozen". While a document is pending I am unable to scan additional documents or switch tasks to go into other file and up date the fields. Virtually I am FROZEN out of this program.
My only solution at this point is to call into the help line, get the help line to delete and start again. It takes a few hours for me to obtain this help.
This issue has been my issue since I began using the program in December 2016, which as stated was after the current program up date.
The memory slow down (or my thought program "freezes") has now appeared daily, today twice, first thing in morning then after Help line fixed the issue again in the afternoon!
I have left the computer running an entire day, hoping the two page document would finally be processed.
I have hundreds of pieces of paper work to be scanned into a variety of files. I have limited my choices to Two type of scanned choices:
DOCUMENT or RECEIPT
Issue #2: After a document is ACTUALLY finished processing, I open the tab to check and correct the fields. When I click on save, I often get a RED circle with an exclamation mark, stating it was not processed. HELP LINE SUGGESTED; "don't let that bother me. They do not know why this is happening to EVERYONE."
The people at Neat only tell the customer they are Working on these issues.
I find this answer after two months unacceptable.
I do not appreciate PAYING a monthly fee for something that doesn't work as originally planned, when purchased in 2013.
I do have ONE help representative, and one complaint number, to always get me back to one help desk operator, but it takes her at least an hour to return my call.
ANYONE ELSE HAVING PROBLEMS?
I have a very simple question for any of your NeatDesk users . I acquired one at a garage sale and I'm just trying to determine if it works . I don't have any software and I don't want to hook it up to a computer ..I just want to see if its junk or not..I turn it on and the green lights come on I put a piece of paper in it and I hit the scan button and nothing happens ..does it have to be connected to a computer to do something or is my item broke
Mimi, your obviously a "Fanboy" of the Neat scanner. On the other hand, if it is working great for you, that's all the matters. But I think others should know - I tried it, knowing it as the "only" document solution because of the commercials as it's the first area I needed to delve into. Let me tell you with 18+ years of experience - you ARE right the older videos are a LITTLE biased. BUT - there are things I found that still exist here in November 2015 with the NeatConnect scanner, and more than likely worse with the NeatDesk scanner that has been reported before - It doesn't feed the documents half the time, when it does it will feed crooked sometimes and CONTINUE, wrecking the document even with the paper guides set properly (again, the NeatConnect model I have) - the ScanSnap doesn't do this. Biggest issue - and that's with their Wireless NeatConnect scanner - It is LOCKED for Wireless scanning to their NeatCloud service so it can ONLY do OCR and put it into the program. Now, if that isn't proprietary, what is? Sure, you can scan to Dropbox etc. but then you need to do manual OCR. You can't use it wirelessly either to a computer. You have to use a USB cable. What's the point for buying the thing for almost $500 when you can get a ScanSnap that can scan to a OCR'd PDF immediately as good or likely better (and if you want even better OCR, do ABBYY FineReader Searchable PDF, which is included too) for $419 from Newegg, AND you can use ANY software you choose?
Overall, the scanner hardware is comparable, but the Feed mechanism and software is HORRIBLE - especially the company's support. Look at all the poor reviews on Amazon RECENTLY. I had to deal with their phone system with is indescribable - there is literally no way you can get to a human without LYING to it - it will hang up on you even with a valid account.
The end point is it's a good try - but the company is selling poor software, mediocre hardware (possibly even poor), and non-existent support.
+Chris F I guess I'm sort of a fan-girl for the Neat Scanner, but only because I've had a good experience with mine for several years now. Honestly, very few problems, and never any of the ones you describe with the document feed! I don't know if you've seen my other videos on NeatDesk, but I do have several that describe my frustration with their confusing website and tech support. I feel I'm very honest and fair in my assessment. I can't comment on the NeatConnect, because I don't have that .. but the NeatDESK is less than $300 if you shop around. I paid $300 2 years ago. Your other points about NeatDesk and OCR are just plain incorrect and more of the same baloney that I complain about in this video. NeatDesk can use ALL those OCR PDF to all the software that SnapScan does. SnapScan does not come with that software either. Both products can take advantage of those 3rd Party options. Sorry Chris, but you are still repeating the same myths I found to be untrue.
I also have NeatDesk and it is a very nice way to organize receipts and documents. I really love that I can print to neat. I don't understand the negative reviews either.
I also have NeatDesk and it is a very nice way to organize receipts and documents. I really love that I can print to neat. I don't understand the negative reviews either.
We'll just say, different strokes for different folks :-) It is a good product/idea, but it does have some flaws. If people are happy with what they use, EXCELLENT!. But my opinion is my opinion, and I could argue on some points but why do it? As fo the software, yes, it does Mimi. Do I need to send you the install disc? Regardless - Back to what I said. Enjoy your Neat scanners! The greatest thing is that is simplifies paperwork and archiving :-)
I LOVED my Neat. Until they went subscriptions based. Now I can't use it.
yeah ya can brother using in win 10 right now piita to get it workibg but i got it
Same, I’m in on windows 10 as well. And I had it brand new in the box and accidentally threw out the disk and I was able to download the software online for free the only thing you can’t utilize is the app for your phone it doesn’t even give you the option to do it without the subscription. Technically though as long as it works I don’t actually need the app, though it would definitely be nice. I think it’s absolutely ludicrous they charge you for a subscription after you just dropped a fuck-ton on the product itself. It’s rude af 🙄🤬
Hey can we just see you use the NeatDesk organizer? You're going on at length about things I don;t think are important to the review, like other users and their reviews, exporting to third party cloud storage etc. What I expect to see on a review is the functionality of the scanning process, the software and it's auto document sorting and the search function.
Robert Graham Hi Robert, thanks for the comment. I have 3 videos about NeatDesk, but I don't think I called any of them a review. That wasn't the goal of my videos. The first one ua-cam.com/video/rzOOUOSl81s/v-deo.html was a first impression and reaction to the misinformation that kept me from purchasing NeatDesk for years. This video too, is another attempt to set the record straight, because people kept posting false statements in the comments of the first video. After posting this video, regarding exporting, those false statements finally stopped! And the 3rd video ( ua-cam.com/video/uFntVb8_yIE/v-deo.html ) is just trying to help people get Neat software installed, so that they don't give up on the product too soon. Those were my goals of making these videos.
I'm not sure if I will make the type of video you want, because it seems impossible to show the software in action without displaying all sorts of personal financial information on youTube! I've tried to include footage like that, but found it impossible without blurring the entire screen, for privacy. The only way I can think of to do it, is to make an entire folder of dummy documents, with absolutely no personal information, just a bunch of ads and sheet music, I guess. I just really am not up for the task right now. But if I run out of topics, and have a bunch of time on my hands ... maybe I will post that video!
Sorry, I can't help you out there.
Mimi
Mine won't export a document.
This is old. Now you have to pay a Monthly fee to use their software.
You can only back it up or access your documents WHEN IT IS WORKING!!! For years now, it will work for a few minutes, and then the error messages come and it locks up. DON'T BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you watched my video: Fix Neat Crashes? ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html Also Neat has phased out the desktop software and switched to an app/cloud based system. As of 4/30/16, they won't provide live support for the old software. I haven't looked into this fully yet, but I suspect it coincides with the almost-forced upgrades to Windows 10. I think it's smart of them to host the software in the cloud because of the endless possible hardware and operating systems they keep trying to troubleshoot for. The question is: Do you HAVE to pay for a cloud account to use the scanner now? You still have the option to save to Evernote, Google Docs, Dropbox or your own hard-drive.
Neat
is not good for your money (about $400.00 plus). I bought 2 Neat Scanner, they
scan with big black strike in middle of page. Sometime the color comes black,
or dark red, or purple... The first time that so the commercial on TV, I went
to internet an bought one. Bad luck, it did not work properly, with big strike
in the middle and covering 1/3 of page! Few months later, I bought another one
from Staples in Queens NY, it lasted for few months with same problem as the
first one... Someone in internet suggested to clean them with alcohol... It
didn't work!!!
My problem is not with the software. My needs are pretty basic so the software is probably more powerful than I need. A few bumps with the software but overall is fine. My problem is with the scanner itself. When I first got it, it worked great, but over time had to start force feeding paper through, started pulling multiple pages at once which causes me to have to start over. Getting the thing to calibrate is a MAJOR hurdle. The calibration sheets that come with it aren't worth a flip. It errors every time with them so I have to use the printed version from my printer. Even then I have to calibrate it 6-8 times in a row successfully. My desk is anything but NEAT. Throwing in trash and getting a Fujitsu FI-7160. Only bad review I've seen on it is the price, which I'm willing to pay to have a "NEAT" desk.
On March 1, 2016, the Neat Company posted an announcement that it is ending support for Neat Desktop as of March 31, 2016. Meaning it will stop fixing bugs and allowing new downloads. If past behavior is any indication, the next OS update will
break Neat Desktop but now the company won't fix it. Instead, Neat demands that its customers subscribe to its new cloud software. That's a minimum of $72 per year. Read it and weep: www.neat.com/helpcenter/legacy-support/
just got nd1000 cann't wait till I set it up.
great information. I always thought this would be great.
+Laura Calderon I still love my NeatDesk, 2 years later! My only complaint was that it only worked when hooked up to a computer. I just ordered a refurbished NeatConnect, which is completely wireless. I plan on doing a review on it, after I've used it awhile.
HeyMimi DIY, I found your video informative... You do still sound like you work for NEAT though too much stress on cheap cloud service, lol. I am trying to just use this thing as a document scanner and put this on a hard drive as i don't trust cloud services, there is no such thing as a "secure cloud" Neat locked out my account because I misspelled my first employers name and now I haven't heard back from them. This company will not even take my calls to unlock it. It seems to me that this company is not out to help the customer succeed unless it overfills their pockets with $$$ while doing so.
Thank you for your great info Mimi DIY
Junk cant load win 7 and cant load win 10, Junk no support none! Only online
they no longer support neat but i got it working in windows 10
The bad reviews are becasue people didnt learn to set it up corectly. Its not easy and the info is not clear biut once its up its great
Much of this information is outdated and some is just incorrect or misleading.
Yes, it's definitely outdated. The video is from 2014. I'm working on an updated video that addresses changes to Neat software/app. I now have the wifi version, but I don't use it much anymore and I'm tired of paying $5/mo for the cloud service. My new video will address how (and if) you can use the machine without a paid subscription and without using the Neat desktop app at all. I haven't deleted the video because I want to link this old traffic to my updated video. Stay tuned.
Just curious what all you people feel now after the 5 years, all can no longer use there Neat system unless you pay the extortion fee per month which most of us did not pay into when we purchased. If your paying after they changed then that is fine and your choice. Read the reviews you find on Google, 95%+ of the reviews are way negative. So don't take this OLD UA-cam to heart. Glad you WERE happy HeyMimi DIY, id' be surprised if your still paying the monthly extortion fee...
A little too much on the software. Almost sounded like a sales pitch. Thank you for giving an updated review on this piece of equipment.
I need to do an update on Neat Desk. Software situation has changed a LOT since I made my NeatDesk videos. Neat no longer supports the desktop software but the machine can still be used with or without a NeatCloud subscription.
Mimi's my hero:)
Mimi, how can I message you directly? Yes, I am not very "with" the youtube program:) Thank you!!
Thanks for the information
When My NeatDesk Document Scanner worked normally, it was a joy to use. After it began to malfunction, not so much. I currently have an open ticket with the company's helpdesk.
I have documented my issue at every stage along the way and WILL let you your readers know how this is resolved. HeyMimi DIY is commenting on her experience with one machine (I suspect). To make a sound judgement regarding the company's product you must have a sampling of enough units to be representative of the whole of the average machine and the associated customer experience.
My experience would reflect much of what HeyMimi DIY said. However, you all need to know what happens when you have a glitch and something goes wrong. For no more than it will cost, getting a guarantee of customer service follow-up, should you have a problem, is well worth the money. I would purchase the "Get NeatCare just in case. The company doesn't seem real concerned about my issue. What a disappointment! It started shortly after starting to use the scanner heading into tax preparation, April, 2014.
The scanner picks up data in three vertical fields across the page of any document scanned, essentially columns. After scanning about fifty (50) of my documents, one of the pages had images that looked like Hieroglyphics in the third column of the page. You know, little squares, lines and symbols that computers spit out when they have corrupted data. I think most readers here will appreciate where this is going.
I wrote the company at that time, complaining about the problem and placed a request for assistance. I will admit, there has been some delay getting this resolved and much of the problem has been my inability to play office equipment repair man. I run a owner/operator business and have little time to spend fixing electronics. The response time regarding follow up from the company is long and they do NOT have customer service built into the price of this equipment. The options you have are not the best.
There is Standard Support, the read and learn option with some praying involved, Monday thru Friday. Then the Priority Support which adds an hour to the business day, Saturday and Sunday business hours and phone access. And the Priority Plus Support which adds a priority phone queue.
Note: There will be a video follow up regarding the outcome. Today I am taking this to them and will not relent until this is done.
Homeoffice I apologize for my snippy response. Your comment showed up in my alerts as a comment on a brand new Neat video I just posted last night ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html in which I *complain* about Neat email support! So, I felt you hadn't actually watched the video, but just used the comment section to vent. I completely empathize with your frustration. I feel it too. But I disagree that customer service is not built in. I have another video I'm about to post on this exact topic. EMAIL support stinks, I agree. Phone support and Online Chat are built in, and I found online chat to be quick and helpful, and FREE. Sorry, for the previous attitude! Mimi
Good Video
Street Glide69 Thanks! :)
thanks... you are the best!!!!!
douglas paz-reyes Thank you, Douglas!
Here are all my NeatDesk & Neat Software videos (as of 2/18/15):
-----------------------------
Getting Tech Support: ua-cam.com/video/EQ3GoAf1E3A/v-deo.html
Neat Desk Has Stopped Working:ua-cam.com/video/FTv36Dq_MXY/v-deo.html
3 Things You Should Know About NeatDesk: ua-cam.com/video/rzOOUOSl81s/v-deo.html
NeatDesk Export and Backup: ua-cam.com/video/AnxLzJpAS74/v-deo.html (that's this video)
Neat 5.5 Installation Woes: ua-cam.com/video/uFntVb8_yIE/v-deo.html
Ty
I have a MacBook Pro
good information
Do not buy a Neat scanner: This is a Junk item, No one answer your question,
Bad design*), bad software**), unresponsive design team.
They do not care about malfunctions, do not care about customer.
YOu can go to Excell
YEAH YOU WORK FOR NEAT. OR YOU GET PAID TO POST LIARS. THIS KIND OF SHIT NEED TO BE STOPPED ON UA-cam. SCAM.
Ma Xiang let knowledge people do there thing. If you have any real knowledge to add to, do it; if not, just be nothing, nada, nixt.