Which Scanner to buy?

[BITM@D]

I'm about to buy my first scanner. My budget is entry level and I'm a home user with no need for speed or volume efficiency. My main goal is reasonable reproduction of photo's for the web and home re-printing.

I'm considering the Canon n640p. What should I look out for when buying a scanner? Has anyone got a Canon 640p and would like to share their thoughts on this scanner?

Here's the link to the 640p... http://www.canon.com.au/products/scanners/scanners_low_medium_volume/CanoScanN640P.html


Any help would be appreciated.

[Goldwingnut]

Don't know a thing about thr 640.
Got my Canon N1220 here:
http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/ProdSCANNERS-CANON.hmx?UID=&CID=&updepts=SCNR&DNAME=%3Cb%3EScanners%3C%2Fb%3E&back=ProdSCANNERS-CANON.hmx?

Best price I've seen.

USB, more resolution than I can use.

[nunyadam]

try this post. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/013160.html

fixed link.

nunya



[This message has been edited by nunyadam (edited 05-06-2001).]

[Brangwen]

Bitm@d:

I see you've been directed to some interesting and informative links. Make certain you choose a scanner that is compatible with your hardware and software, including it is supported by your operating system, e.g., Win98, Win ME, Win2k, etc. I'm using a USB (favorite scanner interface for me, may be slow for others) Visioneer flatbed color scanner. Very reliable. Cost me $46! It worked w/o any issues under Windows 98 v.2, and with my first AMD and Intel CPUs. Now, with my second AMD CPU and VIA chip motherboard, it has trouble with my Internet dialup service program - locks up the system if I attempt to dial the Net after using the scanner but prior to rebooting. Go figure. Just try to make certain your scanner is compatible.

Good luck!

Brangwen http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[BITM@D]

Thanks, I'm going with a parallel interface because I dual boot with NT.

I've seen some dreadful pics that where scanned and they had lines all over them and looked terribly out of focus. I don't know if that was a function of software settings or bad quality scanners but I definately want to avoid that.

I'll presume that a Canon scanner will be of reasonable quality because they have been in the optical game for a very long time.

Thanks for the links. I've learned a few things already. Keep 'em coming.

[NDC]

Get yourself a Mustek regardless of interface. You will notice that it has the lowest CPU utilization Vs. other scanners such as Epson, HP, UMax, etc... CPU utilization is a very important factor when selecting a scanner...You will notice system hangs which will prohibit you from multi-tasking when the CPU utilization is high. If you can tolerate waiting for the scan to complete, any scanner will do the job just fine. On the other hand, if you want do other things such as browsing, file copying, tasks in another application while the scan is in process, get yourself a Mustek and you won't regret it.....

BTW, just about all Mustek scanners have Win2k support... Even the older models. Mustek keeps their product drivers up to date very well.

[This message has been edited by NDC (edited 05-06-2001).]

[Goldwingnut]

That "Lines all over the place" has a name: Moire. The Canons have an anti-Moire filter. Works good. Apparently an interference pattern between the dots in a magazine or newspaper page, and the DPI of the scanner.

Canon lists three models on the instruction book for The 1220; two 600-series and the 1220. The software seems to be the same, the mechanisms are apparently the same, the interface different.

I got the 1220 because the cover is hinged in two places, so it lays flat when you copy a book instead of sticking up in the air like a car hood.

[Richard_Cranium72]

My Mustek EP-1200 has lines(Horizonal)

No matter what tweaking I do, they only get closer.

It is a total loss since I got it as a "Open Box" sale, NO Warranty http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

[NDC]

I use a Mustek 1200EP for my home system and no moires here.....

[mondayz]

Didn't they write a song about those lines? "That's a moire..."

[Warthog]

I get the free scanners (w/rebate). They do the best job for the money http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.

Warthog

[Imperion1]

I had a Mustek 1200LS once. SCSI interface, self on when lid is open and self off when not used for 15 min. Darn thing quit working one day, don't know why.No power getting to it, tried a different power adapter, nothing. It just died. Found out when I tried to use it. I had it for 2 years and probably only did 50 scans with it.
Will I buy another Mustek scanner. Probably, but it will be a USB version.