Scanner Help

[RA1D]

howdy folks, i am starting to look for a scanner for my home office and would really appreciate any info/experience/advice on what i specs i should be looking out for, what brands perform well, etc. i've never owned one but i've always wanted to and now is a good time to start. i would primarily use it to scan documents but i'd like to have the capability to scan print photos.

[Jokerswild]

You need a flatbed scanner for the photo's. Other than that all I can tell you is to read the specs and reviews on the different brands. Some come with holders for negatives also if that matters to you.

[Reloadron]

I can tell you I use a Canon Scan 8400F and have been happy with it. It does include the negative holder Jokerswild mentions. I have had it for a year or more. Prior to that I had an old HP I was pleased with. The HP went for years and is still in use today as I gave it to a neighbor.

Note scan resolution in your quest, also the size of documents you will be looking to scan. If you plan to scan Legal Size documents make sure you get a bigger bed scanner.

The scanner is a funny animal as I seldom use it, but when you need it it suddenly becomes indespensible for a tool.

Ron

[MantaBase]

Microtek and Epson make good scanners as well (Its about all I would buy from them actually)

The resolution is most important - I would not touch one with less than 2400 DPI CCD (none interpolated).

You don't need interpolation BTW - so its not a buying point. If you really need it, you can use GIMP for free.

Dual bed scanners are nice if you have a lot of negatives or transparencys, but most folk can get by with a small negative scanner that typically comes with good modern scanners.

Oh - and make sure its compatible with your system before you buy it.

Manta

[sean126]

I've had a Microtek for about 4 years now. Don't really use it that much. Only for picture scanning....but never a problem out of it. It does what I want it too, but I really don't have anything else to compare it to. I've only owned one.

[Yellowhello]

I have a Canon CanoScan and it works fine. It's a flatbed, and therefore can scan pictures. It's OK I guess. Just something for you to think about.

[RA1D]

thanks for the advice. after doing a little reading, i'm almost settled on this canon scanner 8600F. it has some pretty good reviews on newegg and is reasonably priced. it also has film scanning capabilities which i don't need at the moment but could be useful at some point. i'm all about looking down the road and having options. anyways, please take a quick look at it and let me know what you guys think. thanks

Newegg.com - Canon 8600F 4800 x 9600dpi 48bit USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface Flatbed Scanner - Retail

[RA1D]

the scanner arrived today and my first impressions of it are very good. it looks great and the trial scans i've done so far have turned out great. i'll play with is some more and hopefully have a review done by sunday

[Jokerswild]

Thats a cool pic. Looks like your blinds are reflecting off the top of the scanner.