How to Buy a Scanner

When you wonder how to buy a scanner, does it scare you to think of all the techno-terms and different features that come with it? Scanners are actually easy to buy because it all depends on how you are going to use it. The following guide will help you figure out what features you need in a scanner and what type of scanner will do for you.

Scanning resolution is how crisp a scanner replicates items. Different results is determine by your intention.

• If you have pictures you are looking to post to the web or email, then anything between 100 dpi and 300 dpi will suffice. The reason is that the digital files will not be that large to upload and send, but will not lose quality and be reasonably viewable.
• Do you plan on scanning a lot of text? At least 300 dpi is needed in order to have a clean-looking copy.
• For larger photographs, or for scanning at the best quality, you may want 2400 dpi, 4800 dpi, or even 9600 dpi. Keep in mind that the higher the resolution you scan in, the more space the digital copy takes. For example, at 4800 dpi, a standard 4x6 photograph takes about 100 MB of hard drive space.

Scanners should list a Dynamic Range specification, which is similar to the contrast ration on a monitor or television. A Dynamic Range indicates how well the scanner is able to reproduce dark and light colors. Anything over 3.0 is good, while 4.0 and above is exceptional. A higher Dynamic Range is good for scanning older photographs.

Most scanners hook to your computer via USB. Now, older computers may have a USB 1.0 or 1.1 port which transfers at a slower rate than USB 2.0. Buying a new scanner for an older computer may result is slow transfer rates from scanner to computer. If possible, upgrade older USB ports to the newer USB 2.0.

For a little extra money, you can get a scanner that has FireWire capabilities. FireWire is a faster connection and is excellent if you plan on scan a lot of photos or need high quality digital images that will become a large file.

Ease of use is probably important to most, especially if computer skills aren't present. Realize, in how to buy a scanner, that most offer a single button that can take care of basic jobs. Of course, you need to install the drivers and applicable included software that came with the scanner, but after that, you just need it plugged in. When you hit the button, the scanner and the software take over.

For a little more control, you can operate the scanner from the provided software. You can select what portion of your document gets scanned and if you want it zoomed in or inverted. After the scan, you can do basic editing like cropping and enhancing and other corrections.

Essentially, there are two types of scanners:

• Flatbed scanners are capable of scanning 8.5x11 sheets (sometimes legal size) on a copier-like glass. These are the most common type.
• Hand-held scanners are less popular, except with on-the-go business men who need that function. Instead of laying a sheet flat, you feed the document through rollers, which scans the copy into the computer.

A visit to your local electronics store may reveal that stand-alone scanners are slowly becoming obsolete for consumers. All-in-ones are taking over, but that is a good thing. All-in-ones are printers, scanners, and copiers in one unit (some include a fax). Many of your higher-end AIOs are capable of scanning at the same resolutions as the stand-alones. Even better, if the AIO is wireless, then it can scan a photo or document to the computer without the need to hook it to a computer.

Hopefully you now know how to buy a scanner. With the above information, you should be able to find a scanner that fits your needs and can perform the functions you need it to.

• A Simple Guide to Buying a Computer
• Car Buying Secrets
• MP3 Buyer's Guide

• Buying Viagra Online - Avoiding Scams
• How to Buy a New Motorcycle
• How to Buy Wholesale and Sell Retail
• How to Buy Roller Blades
• How to Buy Car Tires

• LoveToKnow Buy:Wanted Articles
• Main Page
• Category:Electronics