Apple Reviews

Amorphium was the first graphics engine I bought. Back then, before I sank deeper into the graphic arts, I thought it was the best thing I had ever aquired. Unfortunately, this proved to be false. After many days using Amorphium I decided to go out and buy another 3D modeling program. The name of it was Bryce 3D 4. Bryce opened up whole new worlds to me: Render options, size options, and even a huge variety of texture and material options! But I'm not here to tell you about Bryce; I'm here to tell you why I did not give this a good review.

First, the fact that you could not anti-alias(the removal of sharp, or jagged edges produced by low resolution) and could not pick your render options was a huge setback. Second, the real time processor is just too weak. Instead of allowing the user to create complex 3D models, Amorphium has opted for simplicity. This means you cannot effectively create fog, transparent objects, or any other complex model. Why? To help the biggining user. Third, the lack of a real texture editor and material editor. Here are the three options that Amorphium gives its user: Diffuse, Ambience and Opacity. This is just too little; I've seen more texture effects on Adobe PhotoDeluxe!

I could go on and on about the imperfections of this program. However, to save the reader time, I will give you the scoop: Buy this if your a biggining user looking to create simple graphics on the web. If you don't fill this catagory than save your money for any of the quality products from Corel, Flash, and Direct 3D/Game Designer type programs. Do not waste your money on this weak of a program. Period.

I jumped on Amorphium the second it hit the market, now that Play has sold off everything to Electric Image, I'm rethinking that strategy.

First off, let me say, Amorphium is an EXCELLENT tool for editing models, as well as for creating new models. It's a MUST HAVE for Bryce users. Since I am a Bryce fanatic (been devoted since the buggy version 2.0), I would have to say it's a must have for Bryce.

Sadly, Electric Image has jacked up the price where it's getting out of reach of the casual user. However, you can probably pick up Amorphium (1.0) at a decent price. GET IT! It's easy to use, has some decent modeling options, but excels at deforming existing models. Add some slight bumps & dents and you've got a more realistic looking model to import into Bryce.

My biggest disappointment was in the marketing hype of Amorphium. The feature list made it sound as if Amorphium supports the ability to paint directly on the model & then export the image. I thought I was getting a bargain, a model editor/creator AND something similar to MetaCreations Detailer (which surprisingly seems to have disappeared). WRONG! You do NOT get this with Amorphium, Amorphium Pro (ala Electric Image) promises this feature, but after being mislead once I am very reluctant to let it happen again.

Amorphium hit the streets from Play at [price], if you can find it for...less, grab it... Amorphium Pro (2.0/Electric Image) lists for about [price], and it may be worth it if it does incorporate the ability to create image maps too.

Amorphium is more than decent, so if you can pick it up cheap go for it. Just don't expect any support from Electric Image, they are only acknowledging the existence of 2.0 (Pro)!!!

This is the coolest software I ever see! I was playing around with this thing and it is cool! You can create anything you like and you should get this stuff and you will be amazed. So get this software and enjoy the fun! Be a PRO!

OUT OF ALL THE 3-D DESIGN PROGRAMES I HAVE USED THIS HAS THE BEST INTERFACE AND ALLOWS THE USER TO CREATE SOME AMAZING GRAPHICS

PROS: INEXPENSIVE SCANNER CONS: EVERYTHING ELSE. THE COLOR REPRODUCTION IS HORRIBLE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCANNER TO ANYONE. SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AND BUY THE EPSON OR THE CANON

I never scanned anything before I bought this scanner, but my first scan turned out great! I'm using my scanner with a B&W Macintosh G3, but it also works with Windows 98 if your computer has USB ports. It took me less than 30 minutes to set up the scanner and begin scanning. The Scanwise software that you use to make scans is laid out in such a straight forward manner that it takes very little practice to learn how to use it effectively. It features a guided mode that can guide you through the scanning process every time you scan or just until you feel comfortable doing it. The more I've "played around" with scanner, the better my scans have become. The latest versions of the Scanwise software are available on Agfa's web site, and they are easy to download and install.

I've had a couple of questions for Agfa about my scanner that I submitted to them via their web site. Their customer service reps have responded to my questions within 24-36 hours.

I've been using my scanner to make copies of old family photos for which there are no negatives and, with a little effort, I've been able to turn out some beautiful reproductions that have looked as good, if not better, than the originals. That process starts with a good scan of the original.

I'd buy this scanner again!

I've had mine for over a year and love it. It's inexpensive, takes *zero* experience and has given me absolutely no hassle whatsoever. All the software you need comes along and is easily installed, only one cord to plug in (gotta love that usb connection) and the photo quality has been far better than the price tag suggests. I've used its results on websites, both personally and professionally with great results. Unless you're a digital photographer or just enjoy blowing money, I see no reason not to buy this product.

I have owned my SnapScan 1212u for almost a year and I am, as of this moment, searching for a different brand. The help available is nil. The scanner has big problems interfacing with the SCSI drivers...and I cannot even begin to explain why I have waited this long to replace it. But to give you an idea...every time I want to make a scan...I have to unplug the machine, replug in, and then hurry back and hit the scan button so that the software can detect the scanner while the scanner is 'gearing up' for it's run. This is not an occasional problem....it is every single time I use it. Sadly I thought this was normal until I was more informed. It does not install well. And adding it to newer machines is hell on earth. If I could...I would rate this -5 stars. Good luck to all...but I am unhappy with AGFA. Thanks!

Brief history: I wanted a scanner, USB was a big plus, the price was right, so I opted for the Agfa 1212U. The scanner arrived, and the install was a breeze. The few test scans I did looked nice, darn nice. The software was pretty good too. I was happy.

When I settled down to do some serious scans (family photo restorations) I found a terrible flaw in my scanner. The underside of the plastic scanbed had trash and debris on it. Because it was under the glass, I couldn't clean it off. Every scan showed these little "shadows" from the debris.

I attempted to call Agfa customer service. Mistake. Agfa does a marvelous job of directing you circles, not answering emails, and making relevant information hard to find. Their 'customer support' is a joke. Had I known the low regard Agfa has for their customers, I would have bought another brand.

In the end, I went through the retailer and another scanner is on the way. If Agfa had the tiniest respect for their customers, I would have rated the 1212U four or five stars. But, I cannot recommend this product, or any other Agfa product, very highly.

I don't really have any complaints about this scanner. So far, it has done everything that I have needed it to do. I did have a little bit of trouble installing it. (Be careful to follow the directions exactly.) Also, the user interface seems a little clumsy to me. But, all in all, I'm satisfied with my purchase.