I just want to jump in here and say that I too, found the Panther very hard to use.
It's also VERY expensive, and has lots of features few--if any--school libraries
are going to use. (Do I need a handheld to read my e-mail? Am I going to surf the
web from my Panther? Uh, no.) It has so many bells and whistles--it's like having
wanted to buy a car, and being sold a space shuttle! I'm using it with Circ+ and
Catalog+, perhaps Destiny users will have a different experience. To use it, files
must be saved to the desktop, and the unit must then be disconnected. Then the
user must browse for the file, and open it. Hardly a seamless upload! It's a big
step back from the Dolphin. In addition, the Panther flashes a red light every time
there's a successful barcode scan. Multiply that by 20,000 books to inventory in
the collection, and I'm pretty sure I'll have a migraine...
Part of my severe disgruntlement with the scanner comes from my having penned a
long letter to Follett expressing my concerns with the Panther when we purchased it
last spring. I sent it to several Follett people, and received not one single
response.
I sincerely hope that Follett will take notice of this discussion on LM_Net, and
that they will develop a better option for their school library customers--who
spend lots and lots of money on their products every year.
If anybody out there in library land has any alternatives to suggest, let us know!
I'll be looking for a replacement, as soon as my district recovers from the hefty
price tag on the Panther.
Anne-Marie Gordon
agordon@livoniacsd.org
Library Media Specialist
National Board Certified Teacher
Livonia Primary School, Livonia, NY
Website: http://classrooms.livoniacsd.org/agordon
Resources wiki: http://squareone.pbwiki.com
>>> Jennifer Hughey <Jennifer.Hughey@EPSB.CA> 11/21/07 10:46 AM >>>
I purchased a Panther last spring, and while it was more complicated
than the Dolphin and did more than I needed, it did work very well.
Much harder to set up and download scans, though.
Jennifer Hughey, Library Technician E
Queen Elizabeth High School
Edmonton, AB
jhughey@epsb.ca
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Trudy Lockspeiser
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 6:38 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: TARGET Scanner to replace Follett Dolphin
Dear LM_NETTERS,
I checked the archives and was unable to find the answer to this
question. I received a letter from Follett stating that the manufacturer
is discontinuing production of the PHD Dolphin barcode scanner and that
Follett would only honor warranty and EMA coverage until December 31,
2008.
Follett suggests replacing the unit. They included a flyer with a new
product "Follett Panther" with special pricing of only $1,595 with a
regular cost of $1,795.
I was wondering if anyone has replaced a Dolphin scanner from a source
other than Follett and would share how well the scanner worked.
I am sure I am not the only person facing this problem. I will be happy
to post a hit if the needs warrants.
Thank you for your help and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Trudy Lockspeiser
Library Media Specialist
Kresson School K-5
1 School Lane
Voorhees, NJ 08043
1-856-424-1816 Extension 2126
lockspeise@voorhees.k12.nj.us
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