Different scanners are used for different applications
There are several scanner types.
Like printers, the best scanner for you depends on how you intend to use it.
The most common scanner types are flatbed, sheetfed, photo, and portable scanners.
Epson
Flatbed Scanners
Flatbed scanners take up some desktop space but provide many features for the price.
These scanners look like miniature printers with a flip-up cover protecting the glass platen.
Depending on its size, a flatbed scanner can fit standard or legal-size documents.
Epson
The flexible cover allows you to scan large items such as books.
These scanners are great for converting newspaper articles, book chapters, and photographs.
Flatbed scanners are often built intomultifunction printers.
HP
it’s possible for you to find a decent flatbed scanner for $100 or less.
Many all-purpose scanners scan photos, so you don’t need a separate rig to handle your photographs.
A photo scanner is a better deal if you only use a scanner to digitize film negatives or slides.
However, it may be more expensive than an all-purpose scanner.
Photo scanners include specialized technology that deals with slides and negatives.
These scanners also offer built-in software to clean up old photos.
Sheetfed Scanners
Sheetfed scanners are smaller than flatbed scanners.
You’ll win back some desktop space with a sheetfed scanner, but you may lose some resolution.
Sheetfed scanner prices vary widely.
Most sheetfed scanners are fast and loaded with features for capturing and processing data.
Portable Scanners
Portable scanners are small enough to bring on the road.
Some are small enough to put in a pocket.
Some portable scanners are as wide as a page and roll quickly down the page.
Some even read text back to you, which is helpful for people with vision or reading challenges.
Pen scanners are most helpful if you are a student, a researcher, or travel for work.
Prices vary widely depending on these devices' features and capabilities.
you might find some for less than $100 and some for $300 or more.
Note that quality and accuracy depend on how steady you hold the rig while implementing a scan.
FAQ
The best flatbed scanner for your office depends on your business’s needs.
Thebest scanners for mobile devicesinclude Google PhotoScan, Photomyne, and Microsoft Lens.
All three are free to download and use and are available for iOS and Android.
Photomyne has a premium version with more features.
