NeatDesk Document Scanner

I’ve tried twice now to add a helpful review for Neat Desk.  I wanted to save other buyers the frustration I went through setting it up.  The first HSN review I wrote, was refused because I included the web address for neat.com in it, so people could download the most current software.

Like an idiot, I tried again, chosing my words carefully, but HSN truncated it down 50 words, which removed the most important part. Sheesh!

Fortunately, I copied it to my clipboard before hitting "submit." the 2nd time.  So, here is the full review, and below that, steps for a grief-free install:

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I just wrote a long, carefully written review of NeatDesk, and HSN sent it into the black hole because I mentioned Neat’s website. (grrr).  That’s because, if you use Win7 or Win8, you’ll need to update the software right away: a painful horrendous process that will make you want to shove NeatDesk in the box, and ship it back to HSN.

I can help you skip that pain, so you can love this machine right away … and you will! This scanner is quite amazing.  I’ve sent more than 100 documents and crumpled receipts through it and they all slipped through the machine without a glitch.  I was very impressed.

The software is not all that intuitive, but you quickly get used it.  Could be better, but not a deal breaker. For instance, when reviewing a document, there is no "done" or save button.  You just hit back or next, and whatever you have edited is saved.  There is also no "un-do" button.

I wish there were "receipt, doc, contacts, color, 1/2 sided" buttons right on the machine.  I also wish it were wi-fi.  All those options are available on NeatConnect, but that machine is $499.  You’ll find lots of people touting other machines, but those are also in the 500 range.  I’m not willing to spend that kind of cash for a receipt scanner.

At first it seems like the software isn’t picking up data, because there many places to add info in the "review screen." But just try the search feature and you will be amazed how quickly you can find a document without editing a single field!

Important: Regarding software installation:

• If you use Win XP or Vista, go ahead and use the disk. 
• If you use Win 7 or 8: go right to the website and download the latest software for NeatDesk (not NeatConnect, not NeatWorks).  At this time Sept 2014, i think it’s just called Neat 5.5.

PS: for the unhappy lady who left a 1-star reiew:  855 is a toll free #, and it’s right there on the white half sheet that came in the box.  The complaint that you can only get setup or support online, is just not true. The toll free number is provided in the box.  (However, they don’t say TOLL Free # ). I’m not going to give it here because it’s meant only for HSN purchases.

NeatDesk requires a computer to work. NeatConnect is the one that doesn’t require a computer but it is two hundred dollars more expensive. ($499)

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Added thoughts for the forum now:

There are a LOT of things that could be better about NeatDesk, but the biggest downfall is Neat failing to test its own website and update links.  Trying to update from 5.4 to 5.5 is a virtual wild goose chase.  Most links send you to the NeatCloud.  It’s easy to think that you have upgraded and are now working in 5.5, if you aren’t paying attention to the fact that you are working within your browser (in the cloud), not on your harddrive.  After one hour of frustration, trying to find the correct update link (it’s a text link, surrounded by buttons that say "get update" that don’t work).  Once you get there, there is no real option to update the current software.  Only updates for NeatConnect, and NeatWorks. 

Nothing in your install process ever tells you what the name of the NeatDesk software is.  Is it just NEAT?  or is it NeatReceipt? or Neat Connect? NeatWorks?  Every download failed at the install, sometimes telling me that I already had Neat software installed.  I dug it up in a "Neat Receipts" folder on my HD.  I eventually used window uninstall tool, to uninstall about 7 programs named "Neat." from my HD.  THEN, I chose the option, "I don’t have any Neat software on my computer" from the dropdown menu (way down at the bottom of the update page).

So what worked for me was to:

1. Do a FRESH install of Neat 5.5, before connecting the machine.
2. Open the Neat Program, make sure it’s working.
3. Then,  connect the NeatDesk unit by USB,and let my computer go fetch the correct driver for NeatDesk
4. Open the program and start scanning receipts!

It really was that simple, as long as I had NO previous neatdesk software installed.  Do this, BEFORE you scan anything in the 5.4 software, and you won’t have to "import" or convert any data for use with 5.5.

NOTE :  Neat 5.5 software is for Win7 and above.  If you use XP or Vista, stick with the 5.4 version of Neat!!

NOTE 1: I think the neat cloud option is really cool.  You can scan a bunch of stuff at your desk/PC and then sit on the couch later and review the documents later from you iPhone or iPad.  Just get the free app from the app store, and sign in with the account you already created during setup. It’s awesome.  However, after 30 days, there is a $4.99 month fee for the cloud service, which seems very fair to me.  I’m gonna pay it for sure.  Just to be able to access those receipts when Im out shopping etc.

NOTE 2:  You will find a lot of negative videos and reviews all over the internet about neatdesk, but be sure to look at the DATE of those reviews.  Almost every complaint is no longer true, NeatDesk has obviously listened to user feedback because the complaints are very outdated.  Files are NOT proprietary.  They are easily saved as a PDF or many other formats to use with other programs or email .   So, be sure to check the date of the reviews, most negative reviews I’ve read are obsolete!

I’m editing a video I made showing my entire setup experience.  I hope to post that soon.