Need Scanner Recommendation

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My 11-year old Ricoh copier is reaching retirement. Since the service for this old copier is very expensive, I am considering to use a scanner to work as a copier. I need your recommendation to choose the right one.

I do have a Canon Multipass C-555 fax/scanner which is not a flat bed scanner. However, the software is not very user friendly for enlargement or reduction operation. I need to use other image programs to edit the scanned images. This approach is not convenient for the rest of my family to operate. Is there a scanner that offers easier operation among scanner, PC and laser printer, especially for image enlargement and reduction?

System: Windows XP home with HP laserjet 6MP.

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I don’t like the cost of the ink on inkjet printer. It was the reason that I prefer to use a low cost scanner with laser printer configuration.

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Not big on scanners but I’ve tried both HP and Canon. My perference out just the 2 is for the Canon. Easy to set up, easy to work and, so far no problems. Mind I’ve had no problems with the HPs and they are older by 2 years.

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Thank you guys for your recommendations. I believe I need to state my needs again.

I need a flat bed scanner to work like a copy machine. The all-in-one ink jet has the disadvantage on the ink cost while all-in-one laser has the disadvantage on initial cost. Since I have already had a laser printer, I think to buy a stand alone flat bed scanner will do the work. Though it is not a problem to have the scanned image print on the laser printer, the software to bridge these two devices is my consideration. My question is which stand alone scanner on the market offers a “good” software allowing users to get a print out from the scanner easily without complicated procedure, especially when doing the enlargement and reduction on the scanning.

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I hope I don’t get astray from what you’re asking, but for a couple of years I’ve had a UMAX Astra 2200 (USB) scanner hooked up to my Win98SE machine and have been more than well satisfied with it’s performance, especially considering the low-$100s I paid for it. My son and I have used its copy facility a number of times, but never for more than 1-3 pages. It’s fast – printer usually starts in about 60 seconds, has a one-button thingy on the scanner that I don’t even use. But the software icon that sits in the tray pops open immediately on right-click and I can select the copy function with fast opening of the GUI window. Don’t know if that helps or takes us further astray….. I’m sure that by now the UMAX model numbers are changed.

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I’m using a Visioneer 9020 USB 2.0 flatbed “OneTouch” scanner and it has 5 programmable buttons on the scanner itself (also available through a pop up from the systray). You can set it up to act just like a copier….push the “copy” button and get a copy (of course the computer/printer have to be on, etc, but you don’t need to actually do anything at the computer at all) Of course you can also set it up to capture and then allow for some computer manipulation (ocr, crop, etc). The five buttons are programmable so you could have a straight copy button and one for more sophisticated manipulation.

I’m waiting for my $30 rebate that will bring the price I paid down to $99us. It comes with a lite version of PaperPort, which has a workable ocr feature and seems to work fine. I also like the “sideways” setup of the scanner (the lid hinge is along the long side of the box) Doesn’t stick out so far on the desk.

I’m sure there are lots of choices out there. I won’t say this Visioneer is the best, but I like it (ps the usb 2.0 is way fast!!!)
kip

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My mistake, I didn’t answer your question.

Canon scanners come with a variety of s/w including “Canon ScanGear Toolbax” which has single button selections to scan direct to 1) fax s/w via modem or whatever is available (untried) 2) email (untried) 3) Printer as a copier (works well but I haven’t timed it) 4) Direct to file (works) 5) Three customisable option – on mine PhotoStudio, OmniPage and PhotoBase (all included in package and work well).

Hope this is more useful.

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I have used Many brands of scanners (UMAX, Canon, HP et al). I have found that the HP ScanJets are the best for my home and the company I work for.
I prefer the 3000 series (I use the 3300 via USB) but we have two 2200’s at the plant and they work fine.

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Thanks guys for your inputs. I decided to use the HP 4400cxi. It came with very handy bundle software, like OCR, ACDsee… The enlargement and reduction process in copying is easy. The only complain is the speed of scanning on this low end machine compared to my Ricoh FT3313 copy machine. 4400cxi costs around $30 and $70, depending where you buy it.

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