Finding The Scanner That’s Right For You

Confused about what type of scanner to buy? Here’s a helpful list that explains what to look for, depending on your needs.

• Flatbed scanners

Flatbed scanners use moving optical arrays–CIS (contact image sensor) or CCD (charge-coupled device). If you want to scan a document or a photo in a flatbed scanner, you need to put it face down on the glass pane. Its light source and sensor reads the information when moving across the glass pane of the scanner. A flatbed scanner scans images clearly. It’s a popular office scanner and is also widely used at home. The most popular flatbed scanner models are: Epson Perfection V500 and Hewlett Packard Scanjet G4050. The price of Epson Perfection V500  starts at $158 and the price of Hewlett Packard Scanjet G4050 starts at $135.

• Handheld scanners

Handheld scanners, also known as hand scanners, have a good quality, but may not be practical for use in the office. If you want to scan a particular document with a hand scanner, you need to drag it across each line. Also you need to keep your hand firm when moving it, otherwise the text will be distorted. It’s a bit complicated to use and it takes a lot of time. One of the best handheld scanners are the Planon DocuPen RC850 ($200).

• Sheetfed scanners

A sheetfed scanner does not need much space and is smaller than the flatbed one. Consider this if your aim is scanning documents and not photos. But there’s a drawback which should be taken into consideration. They are mostly used to scan single pages. So don’t choose a sheetbad scanner if you need to scan books. Consider the CardScan V8 Personal Business Card Scanner ($149) and Xerox Travel Scanner 100 ($136) worth a try.

• Photo scanners

Photo scanners are usually more expensive than other types because of their high resolution due to which they scan high quality photos. Check out the Epson Perfection V600 ($249) and Hewlett Packard Scanjet G3110 ($99).

• Portable scanners

If you want a scanner to take with you, choose a portable one. Some of them are so small that can be carried in the pocket. With the help of portable scanners you can scan only loose papers and photos. But there is a drawback you should know about. Their batteries lose charge very quickly and there is a great possibility that they will break, so you need to be very careful with them. See the VuPoint PDS-ST410-VP ($99) and IRIScan Executive 2 Portable ($143) scanners.

Photo © icyFrance