What scanner to buy: everything you need to know

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Not sure which scanner to buy? Here are some proposals so that you know which is the most suitable model in your case.

Despite the irruption of information technology in our lives and digital files, we still handle many paper documents. To digitize them, it is good to know which scanner to buy . In this way, you will have at your disposal the device with the best features according to your needs. Now, what factors should be taken into account when buying a scanner? What types exist today? What models are the most recommended?

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In this buying guide we solve all your doubts regarding  which scanner to buy . But before starting, we make a brief reflection on the real need to buy a device with these characteristics or not.

Index of contents

  • Do you really need a scanner?
  • What scanner to buy: everything you need to know
    • resolution
    • Size
    • Functions
    • Extras
  • Which scanner to buy: existing types
    • Single function scanner
    • multifunction scanner
  • Which scanner to buy: recommended models
    • Canon CanoScan LiDE 300 Black desktop flatbed scanner
    • Epson Perfection V39 – Photo and Document Scanner
    • Brother ADS-1700W Smart and Compact Document Scanner
    • Epson Perfection V600 Photo – Home Photo Scanner
    • Viisan VF3120 – Flatbed Scanner (DIN A3)

Do you really need a scanner?

The scanner is a device that solves a very specific need. Digitizing documents is not something that most users do , being a task relegated to offices and professionals. And, sometimes, not even in all jobs it is necessary. Before deciding to acquire a peripheral with these characteristics, ask yourself the following

  • Can I use the camera of my mobile? When it comes to scanning documents occasionally and without requiring extreme quality, some applications will allow you to perform this function with the mobile camera. Many cloud storage services embed a scanner in their Android and iOS apps. This is the case of OneDrive. There are even solutions designed for old photos, such as  Google PhotoScan .
  • Do I have a multifunction printer? If you already have a multi-function printer, you probably already have a fully functional scanner. Take a look at the top of the device to see if this is the case.

If you answered yes to either of the two questions, it probably doesn’t make sense to spend money on a scanner for you. Now,  if you are convinced that you really need to have one , let’s see which scanner to buy and what you should take into account.

What scanner to buy: everything you need to know

If you have been wondering  which scanner to buy , then it is crucial that you review the main specifications to take into account. We detail them below.

resolution

Resolution is one of the   first features you have to check when buying a scanner. You should know that this value is expressed in  DPI, or pixels per inch . The higher the DPI, the higher resolution the scanner will have.

However, before choosing a specific model for the mere fact that its resolution is high, it is essential to evaluate your needs. For scanning office documents, a resolution between 150 and 300 DPI will be more than enough . To digitize photographs with an acceptable quality,  the 300 to 500 DPI models  are perfect. Now, keep in mind that there are models with more than 1000 DPI. As you can imagine, they are designed for professional purposes, related to the world of photography and design.

Size

Typically, the size of the scanner is determined by  the type of documents it is capable of scanning . Most are compatible with DIN-A4 sheets or other smaller ones. In the event that you are going to scan large photos, for example, DIN-A3 , you will be forced to buy a compatible model. Obviously, the space you will need to install it will be greater.

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Functions

Checking what the functions of a scanner are before buying it will help you to guess right. Here are some suggestions:

  • Wirelessor network connectivity.
  • Accessories included. If you go further, certain models have components to scan negatives or slides.
  • Portability. Some brands offer portable scanners to easily move them from one place to another.

Extras

A scanner can have interesting extras like these:

  • OCR reader. It allows you to extract text from a paper document thanks to software that brands usually include.
  • Quick scan. Just one click to start scanning, without prior configuration.
  • Proprietary Software. It helps you set up the device from your computer and enables support for all scanner features.

Determine if any of them you need to digitize documents.

Which scanner to buy: existing types

There  are two kinds of scanners on the market . Let’s get to know them closely to find out in which cases they are useful.

Single function scanner

It is the one that only offers the scanner function. They are simple and smaller models, since they only come with the document scanner. We recommend that you buy a single-function scanner in the following cases:

  • You have a printer. In the event that you already have a printer that is working correctly, but it is not a multifunction printer, it is best to complete the set with a single-function scanner.
  • You need the best quality. Among the scanners dedicated to a single function, you will find models with higher quality and resolution than those that come in multifunction printers.
  • You don’t have a lot of space. If you need to scan documents in a small space, single function scanners are a perfect solution because they tend to be more compact.

multifunction scanner

This class of scanner is better known as  a multifunction printer . In this class of devices, the document scanner is located at the top, while the document printing area is at the bottom. We believe that this device will fit your needs in the following cases:

  • You will print as well as scan. As long as you don’t need a very high resolution, this is a highly recommended product for performing various document-related tasks. Not only will you be able to print, but photocopy or send faxes.
  • You have a large work area. MFPs with scanners are bulky and require some space to install properly.
  • You are looking for the best value for money. There are certain very cheap models that include a digitizer on top. Without a doubt, they are a good option if you want to have many functions for little money.

Which scanner to buy: recommended models

There are several very popular brands selling scanners today. These are some of them:

  • Canon
  • HP
  • Fujitsu
  • Xerox
  • BenQ
  • Epson
  • Brother
  • Kensington
  • IRIS

What models are the most recommended? Here you have a selection of the  five best scanners to digitize documents .

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Canon CanoScan LiDE 300 Black desktop flatbed scanner

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Canon CanoScan LiDE 300 Black desktop flatbed scanner

  • Affordable and lightweight, with a stylish design
  • 4 EZ operation buttons
  • quick scan
  • High resolution scans
  • Automatic scanning technology

86,13 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-10-20

Epson Perfection V39 – Photo and Document Scanner

Epson Perfection V39 Photo and Document Scanner – 4800 DPI Optical Scanner Resolution – A4 – USB – Black

  • Color output depth: 24 Bit
  • Scanner optical resolution is 4800 dpi
  • Power supply type: usb

148,99 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-10-20

Brother ADS-1700W Smart and Compact Document Scanner

REBATES

Brother Smart Compact Document Scanner ADS-1700W | Document feeder | Automatic scan | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Direct

  • Speed ​​up to 25 ppm (50 ipm duplex)
  • 20-sheet document feeder and dedicated slot for laminated cards
  • Wi-Fi y Wi-Fi Direct
  • auto scan
  • Scan to PDF, file, email server, network, FTP, USB memory

289,45 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-10-20

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Epson Perfection V600 Photo – Home Photo Scanner

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Epson Perfection V600 Photo – Home Photo Scanner (Digital ICE for Film and Photo, Sound Value Correction via Histogram), Black

  • Premium 6400 dpi photo and film scanner
  • Restore movies and photos with DIGITAL ICE technology
  • Scan instantly and save energy with Epson ReadyScan LED technology
  • Flexible film handling, scans a wide range of film and photo formats
  • High precision, convenient resizable preview window

330,97 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-10-20

Viisan VF3120 – Flatbed Scanner (DIN A3)

Viisan VF3120 – Flatbed Scanner (DIN A3) Maximum capacity: Resolution 1200 x 1200 dpi. Includes ViiScan Software for Windows and Mac.

  • Flatbed scanner with 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution. Color depth: 48-bit color input. Ausgan 24-bit Color
  • Portable use by power supply via USB connection. Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP (SP3). 32 bit or 64 bit and Mac.
  • Maximum capacity: Scanning speed: 8 seconds For A3 size templates, resolution 200 dpi. Color:
  • Box contents: scanner, software CD, USB cable, power supply, instructions for use (English language not guaranteed).
  • Operating Systems: Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8/7 / Vista / XP (Service Pack 3) Mac OS 10.7 or higher, only for Image Capture (ica) – Linux Driver Ubuntu 1604 (32 bit / 64 bit) / Fedora 24 (32 bit) bit / 64 bit).

 

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