Scanners: What To Look For

Here's what the experts say to look for when buying a scanner for your home or small business:

• Flatbed configurations are easier to use for the widest range of scanning. The Canon and Epson models in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers are flatbeds; experts recommend avoiding sheet-fed and handheld units for all-purpose scanning projects. The Fujitsu corporate scanner has an automatic document feeder rather than a flatbed, as this model is intended for high-volume scanning.

• In general, the higher the resolution the better, especially for detailed photo jobs or for enlargements. Scanner resolution is measured in dots-per-inch (dpi) or pixels-per-inch (ppi). The Canon CanoScan 8800F, for example, has an optical resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi, meaning it scans 4800 dots per inch horizontally and 9600 dots per inch vertically. Most manufacturers reference just the first number; hence, the Canon is a 4800-dpi scanner. Only the least expensive scanners offer less than 4800 dpi, such as the Canon CanoScan LiDE 25, whose resolution is 2400 dpi. Even these inexpensive scanners should be fine for most general-purpose document work or low-resolution photo scans destined for the Internet. Note that scanners intended solely for document work -- including high-end models -- usually have resolutions of 600 dpi, all that's needed for document scanning.

• Nearly all scanners are equipped with 48-bit color depth. Color depth refers to the number of colors that can be displayed. The higher the bit depth, the more colors used in the image; therefore, the larger the file size. For instance, 24-bit color corresponds to 16.7 million colors, and it's basic. But if you'll be enlarging prints or scanning negatives or slides, opt for 48-bit because it can differentiate between subtle gradations. Some scanners offer 96-bit color depth, and those can be a good choice if you scan original paintings or drawings, which have an even wider spectrum of colors than photographs or slides.

• Included software is standard, so look for a good package. Scanners typically come with image-editing software, plus an OCR (optical character recognition) package that converts scanned text into an editable document. Photo scanners include software to edit and manage photos on your PC. Many also include a PDF converter. Even inexpensive models now include some form of image correction software for removing flaws from damaged or dirty originals. You can expect better results, however, from models with higher-end solutions, such as Kodak's hardware-integrated Digital ICE Technology.