Scanner Help

[ILC]

I am becoming very interested in buying a scanner but have no idea what to look for, or which brands. I am looking for something mildly priced, with pretty good picture scanning capabilities and excellent text capabilities (out of text books and sheets). What do you all suggest? I love my HP Photosmart printer, are HP scanner's 'comparable' to their printers? I know Epson makes excellent photo printers, how are their scanners? Anyways, what do you all suggest? Thanks so much.

ILC

[Richard Cranium]

I've had quite a number of scanners, most were low end units except for my pair of HP SCSI 36 bit scanners and a photosmart scanner.

The HP 2200c is pretty good for the $50 you can get it for, check the local B&M stores such as Staples & Office Depot, OD's been blowing them out.

Most any modern scanner will do what you seek.

[Detritus]

I agree with Doc my cheap Visioneer does everything I need. From what I understand unless you are trying to scan phtographic slides just about any scanner will do...

[Richard Cranium]

www.staples.com

Visioneer PhotoPort 7700
$49.95
# 452735

The PhotoPort 7700 USB's built-in memory card readers make using your digital camera easier than ever. Just insert the SmartMedia™, CompactFlash™ memory card or IBM Microdrive from your digital camera to automatically transfer images

Hewlett Packard Scanjet 2300c
$69.99
# 492304

Keep in mind that when scanning Glossy Color photos, you only need 300 dpi, more is just a waste of storage and bogs the printer terribly.

A 8x10 scanned at 300dpi = 6mb~
The same photo at 600dpi = 26mb !

[ILC]

Thanks guys.

ILC

[osprey4]

I've had a Visioneer for several years. The best part about it is the PaperPort software. The OCR is quite good. The reason I bought the Visioneer was the buttons that enable you to fax, copy, OCR, etc, with one button. I had to make it easy for my not-so-techy wife.

[elroy]

I wouldn't buy one without the "copy" button. Just like a photocopy machine. GREAT!