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Digital
- Shopping For a Scanner
Author:
Jennifer Newton
If
you are in the market for a scanner, I am sure many of the specifications
are a bit overwhelming. Just like digital cameras, the resolution
is one of the most important factors in choosing the right scanner
for you. Before you begin your quest for your perfect scanner,
you must ask yourself these questions:· Do you wish to scan images
for use on the web only?
- Will you
be printing out your scanned images?
- If you
do plan on printing out your images, what is the maximum size?
8 x 10? 5X7? 4 x 6?
- Will you
be using the scanner to scan in documents?
- Do you
have negatives or slides that you wish to scan?
Types of
Scanners
The most common type of scanners are flatbed scanners. They work
very much like a copier, placing the document or photo onto the
flat glass and placing the cover over it. Most commonly, a flatbed
scanner will give you the capability to scan up to 8.5 x 11.7.
In addition to flatbed scanners, you'll also see sheet-fed scanners,
handheld scanners, photo scanners, and multifunction peripherals
that incorporate a printer, scanner, and fax machine into one
device.
Flatbed
Scanners: The most versatile and economical for scanning
images and documents.
Sheet-Fed Scanners: Are best for those that need to scan
documents.
Handheld Scanners: This type of scanner requires a very
steady hand and it best used for the scanning of small images
or areas of text.
Photo Scanners: Provide a very high resolution to allow
you to print quality images but limits the size of the original
images to generally 5 x 7.
MultiFunction Units: Because this type of unit incorporates
printing, scanning, and faxing capabilities into one machine,
you will find that your resolution size is generally compensated
for the ability to "multi function". This type of unit is great
for a small home office environment.
Slide/Negative Scanners: Generally very expensive. They
allow you to color scan 35mm negatives and slides. Many also
allow you to scan photographs with a maximum size of 4x6 (sometimes
5 x 7).
Resolution That Suits Your Needs
Resolution indicates how detailed your image will be. The higher
the number, the sharper your scanned images will be. If you plan
on producing or printing out enlargements, be sure to keep a high
resolution as a requirement in your scanner.
Lower
End
(up to $100.00) |
Middle
End
($100.00 to $200.00) |
High
End
($300.00 to $600.00) |
| 600
x 1200 dpi |
1200
x 2400
2400 x 4800 |
2400
x 2400
2400 x 4800 |
Scanner
Ports
Scanners also have different ways to connect to your computer.
Each different type of connection determines the speed of it's
connection. The options available are, USB, Parallel (printer
port), 1EEE and SCSI. Generally, the easiest for those less technically
experienced are USB and Parallel. This types of connection require
no additional software and/or hardware for installation.
Lower
End
(up to $100.00) |
Middle
End
($100.00 to $200.00) |
High
End
($300.00 to $600.00) |
| USB,
Parallel |
USB,
Parallel, IEEE |
USB,
Parallel, IEEE, SCSI |
In A Nutshell,
My Scanner Shopping Advice...
Without all of the techno mumbo-jumbo, my suggestions for selecting
a scanner are as follows:
- Go With
a Flatbed. They are the most versatile and most commonly available
on the market.
- I suggest
going for the middle-end scanner with a resolution of 1200 x
2400 if you intend on scanning to print out photos and enlargements.
Currently, if you intend to only scan for web use now, remember,
your needs may change in the future. Always plan for the possible
future.
- Always
try to go with a USB port. Using the computer's parallel port
will make running the scanner very slow. USB is much faster.
- If the
flatbed scanner offers a slide/negative adapter and it is not
a high end scanner, this is usually a marketing ploy. The adapter
will not give you the resolution high enough to actually print
a clear photo.
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