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Buying
a Scanner? Top 5 Tips
by my-tech-guide.com
So
it is time for you to buy a scanner. Well, no matter whether
you are relatively inexperienced and working with a tight
budget or a professional in need of high quality scanning
in order to sell your award winning photographs, these are
some tips you will want to take.
First
of all, concerning your scanner purchase, know your
budget. How much do you want to spend on your scanner,
and how much are you willing to spend. Those may be two very
different numbers, so make sure you know exactly what you
want and what you are willing to spend on this piece of equipment.
Largely, this will be based on what you plan to use it on,
but there is such a large range in price of scanners (about
$50 up to $50,000) that you really need a starting point.
Though it is easy to say you want the best, you have to stay
within your means with any computer hardware purchase.
Second, go
into the process knowing not only what you want to spend,
but also what you are going to use it for exactly. Scanners
can be used, depending on type, for anything from scanning
prints and other flat works of art to scanning film negatives
and transparencies. They can even be used to scan text
which can then be converted into editable files. With such
a wide range of uses and potential uses, you want to make
sure you know what you are going to use your scanner for.
Also, with the huge price range in scanners you need to
be aware of what your needs will cost. As a rule, the top
end and very expensive models are used in publishing or
by businesses that offer scanning services. For the most
part, these are directed at photographers. Lucky for you,
though, the best affordable scanners offer fantastic quality.
Third, decide
what kind of resolution you are going to need. There
are two figures in optical resolution which express the
dots or pixels per inch. A typical flatbed scanner might
have a resolution of say 1200x600. The entire resolution
idea can be confusing and frustrating. However, it is actually
rarely too important if you are simply scanning prints
of some sort. If that is the case, you will rarely want
to use more than 600dpi and most scanners do allow for
that resolution.
Fourth, consider
what size scanner you need. Most flatbed scanners
will have a platen that can scan an A4 page. There are
actually some smaller scanners as well, but they are limited
to photographs of up to 6”x4” only. There are larger ones
too, though. There are also some consumer level scanners
that can scan A3 at reasonable prices. If, however, you
need a high quality large flatbed scanner for reproduction
quality scans, be prepared to spend a lot of money. They
reach very high prices.
Fifth,
when buying a scanner, consider the type of software
you will want or need with it. The software supplied
by the scanner’s manufacturer is usually in the form of a
twain or similar driver that interfaces with your computer’s
imaging program. In general, the manufacturers do not supply
high quality software with the scanner. Some scanners, however,
come with third party software, and it is usually of higher
quality. You may also choose to buy the software yourself.
This is usually necessary if you are intending to scan film
instead of just prints.
Buying
a scanner is not as simple as just running to the store,
glancing over the shelf and walking one up to the counter.
There are numerous types, brands, and styles of scanners
out there for consumers or professionals to buy and use.
Though these five tips will help, the most important thing
for you to do overall is to educate yourself. Know exactly
what you want in a scanner, how much you want to spend, what
you like and dislike in various models, and what you intend
to use if for. Once you know what you want, educate yourself
on the product, and know where to go, you will be able to
buy with confidence and without regret. A scanner
is a valuable tool. Now it is just a matter of making sure
you have the right one for you.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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