Computer Scanners

Educate yourself on computer scanner specs When buying computer scanners, pay attention to several specifications, including resolution, bit depth, type of sensor, interface and optical density.

I recommend:  Get up to speed on computer scanner dos and don’ts with buying guides from eBay, HP, HowStuffWorks, PC World and BuyerZone.com.

Choose the type of optical scanner you need There are several types of computer scanners, including flatbed scanners, which can scan both flat and bound documents, and sheetfed scanners, which can only scan loose pages.

I recommend:  If you just need basic functionality, consider all-in-one models, which combine a computer scanner with a fax machine and a photocopier. Find multifunction scanners and other basic models in the listings at Business.com or at BestBuy, Office Depot and CompUSA.

If you’re mobile, consider handheld scanners Handheld scanners and portable scanners are smaller and more compact than regular optical scanners and are the perfect accessory for your mobile office.

I recommend:  If you’re in the retail business, consider a different kind of portable scanner—a wireless bar code scanner—to cure the headache of taking inventory. You can find distributors of wireless scanners at Business.com and Barcode Inc.; among the most popular brands is Wasp.

Make heavy-duty printing easier with commercial scanners Everyday computer scanners are fine for most people, but they can’t handle every job. In order to scan drawings, blueprints, maps and building plans, for instance, you’ll need a large format scanner. Drum scanners, which provide dramatically high resolution, are another popular choice for professionals.

I recommend:  Browse manufacturers and distributors of industrial grade optical scanners and commercial scanners, and of large format scanners in particular, at Business.com.

Scan three-dimensional objects with a 3D scanner If you want to scan more than photos and paper, consider a 3D scanner. Engineers and construction professionals use a 3D scanner—which scans three-dimensional objects and environments in order to replicate their shape on your computer—to create digital models and maps, while those in the entertainment industry use them to build virtual realities and realistic animations.

I recommend:  NextEngine’s Desktop 3D Scanner is a leading—and affordable—3D scanner. Other popular, higher-end manufacturers include Z Corp. and Konica Minolta.

Outfit your computer scanner with software Most computer scanners come equipped with basic—but generally weak—image-editing software; upgrading to a more advanced program can vastly enhance your capabilities. Consider buying optical recognition (OCR) software, too, as it will allow you to edit scanned text within your word processor.

I recommend:  Adobe’s Photoshop is the leading image-editing software while Nuance’s OmniPage is the top OCR program.

Browse computer scanner vendors for deals and discounts Once expensive, entry-level computer scanners are now quite affordable at less than $200; be prepared to spend up to $1,200, though, for more advanced models.

I recommend:  Popular computer scanner vendors include Canon, Kodak and HP.