PC Pals Forum

Technical Help & Discussion => Self Building, Upgrading & General Hardware Help => Topic started by: Big_Boss on May 04, 2003, 00:51

Title: Scanner
Post by: Big_Boss on May 04, 2003, 00:51

Hi

Im looking to buy a new scanner and i dont have a clue which one to buy, so i thought i'd come here  ;D

I dont need a top of the range model, but USB 2.0 if possible (if i need it  ???)

Also the slimmer the better  ;)

Thanks in advance.

Boss

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: Sandra on May 04, 2003, 01:09

Thats a bit like asking how longs a piece of string BB  ::)
There are so many about now,I should think they are all ok for the quality of scanned stuff dependant on which software its using.
I have a personal dislike of USB powered ones,so would recommend that you look at mains powered but connected by USB.
No doubt others have used USB connected/powered with no problems.
Are there any USB 2 ones out yet?
USB 2 is backwards compatable to USB 1 so it would be ok using either on a USB 2 PC  :-*

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: Clive on May 04, 2003, 07:18

I agree with what Sandra says.  I have a USB powered scanner and it boots up with the computer.  You have more control over a mains powered one.

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: bat69 on May 04, 2003, 09:45

I'm another that agrees with Sandra.

Unless you have a good PSU with lots of spare capacity, then it could affect the running of the computer, if everything drains current at the same time. Its surprising just how tempromental certain components can be without the correct voltage/current :)

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: Adept on May 04, 2003, 09:56

Optical resolution is the main thing that distinguishes one scanner from another these days. A lot of the scanners quote the "interpolated resolution" which is no good as a measure of quality.

Speed is the other important factor. It is no good being able to scan at a high resolution if it takes all day to do it!

Personally I've always recommended Epson scanners (http://www.epson.co.uk/sohoprod/imaging/index.htm#scanner) in the past. They are a good compromise between quality. speed and price :)

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: bat69 on May 04, 2003, 10:14

And they always seem to grab the PC-PRO A-List status, although its usually the expensive one, but Epsom do seem to make the best all-rounders

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: Big_Boss on May 04, 2003, 12:09

The Epson Perfection 1260 looks good. Think ill get that one.

Thanks!

Boss

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: daveeb on May 04, 2003, 15:31

get the 1260 photo version if possible, its only about £15 more and comes with transparency/neg adapter. and the whole system is a doddle to use.

 ;)

Title: Re:Scanner
Post by: Big_Boss on May 04, 2003, 16:14

Quote from: daveeb on May 04, 2003, 15:31

get the 1260 photo version if possible, its only about £15 more and comes with transparency/neg adapter. and the whole system is a doddle to use.

 ;)

Thanks. It might be worth it actually. :)

Boss