Advice on Scanner

[vintage_like_me]

I never bought or owned a scanner. The scanner I have been using was at my moms and it or the computer or something seems to have to to the wayside. I don't have even the software to reinstall it because we don't know what my dad did with it. (He passed away in 2003) Anyway, I need to buy a scanner...I have NO CLUE what to get. I want good pics but it can't be a fortune ( I have children and it's Christmas) I don't need it to be fax and copier too because I have a great printer. Should be fairly user friendly or I'll be lost. Any ideas? suggestions? I could go t the store and the guy could tell me anything I don't know a thing. Thanks, Chris

[ohduh!]

Chris, all I know is that it should have automatic descreening, exposure adjustment, color adjustment, and you should be able to set the scan resolution. Most of that is pretty standard with scanners, but watch for the descreening function. You need that to reduce or eliminate moiré patterning in your scans. Moire pattern = unattractive stripes or diamond patterns appearing on the scan.

[indooryardsales]

I love my HP--recommend this one that does nearly everything and is really priced right--just beware that it isn't for LARGE works (bigger than a page of paper) which anyway you can photograph with a digital cameral. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B000FJLBU4/knitsnbytes

[indooryardsales]

ps the descreen is a function of the accompanying software and these have descreen, which help remove the dots from magazine and newspaper scans.

[ohduh!]

Also, if you know the scanner brand and model number, often times you can go to the manufacturer's website and download the software for it free.

[vintage_like_me]

Thank you thank you. I checked out the scanner and I'm glad it's an HP...I love my HP printer. I suppose I could run both. I know how to toggle between printers from work. Good price too way cheaper than my printer alone! The hubby said he would buy me a scanner for Christmas, in the mean time I'll try working on that other one, by checking out the website. Maybe mum can look through dad's stuff. I appreciate your advice... Chris

[artistjillian]

You can usually just plug in your scanner and get it identified as new hardware through your printer facility, it should attach itself using the 'wizard'. To scan you can go to the printer section in control panel. If you have a graphic program such as 'Paint Shop Pro' you can just select to scan from the program. So check any of your graphic programs. ~Jillian

[jane1234art]

I too have an HP ... love it, also HP printer.

[auntrosie706]

I just got a Canon Lide70 and I love it. USB connects in minutes, easy to understand and integrate w/other programs. Multiple functions- fair price. I had a Mustek Parallel connect (which is up for auction right now) and wanted to upgrade. Rose

[mdaviesart]

My Mustek Bearpaw Scanner exploded 😕 Haha I couldn't figure out where the burning smell was coming from.... I think they hadn't optimised the power supply for UK sockets

[vintage_like_me]

My hubby was able to buy a HP scanner combo brand new in box from a guy at his work $40...the only thing is it's printer function has bad reviews because of jams. So I'll keep my other printer hooked up, and I will soon be able to scan. Better than nothing and the right price for now. Thank you all, Christine

[indooryardsales]

Just don't jam the paper in too far and don't use the stock they say not to use (there is a long list of what doesn't work for the 2570 for example. The worst was the vertical laser I had until they gave me a "real" office. Jammed and they forgot to put the bar code font in. Every time I opened an account I got a ream of paper with gobbledeegook in my room. Horrible. The deskjets and 3 in 1's are usually trouble free however.