How to Choose a Scanner
Scanners digitize a physical document or photo, allowing you to store the scan file on another device. Scanners also allow you to edit the scanned document or photo, depending on the type of software the scanner comes with. Choosing a scanner is like choosing any other electronic device because you must consider many factors to find the scanner that best suits your situation.
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Instructions
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Choose a location where you wish to keep the scanner. The size of the location and its proximity to a computer or network connection will help determine the size scanner and whether it connects wirelessly.
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Develop your budget for buying a scanner. Flatbed scanners in general are the least expensive, while sheet-fed scanners on average cost more. You could buy an all-in-one printer with a scanner if you are also in the market for a new printer.
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Read the specifications for different scanners, which you can find on manufacturers' websites, online stores or at your electronics store. Pay attention to the resolution or the clarity of the scans and the color resolution or the scanner's capability of scanning different color shades.
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Check your computer for correct ports to connect to the scanner. Some scanners use only a USB connection or an Ethernet cable, with others connect wirelessly. If you will be scanning many-page documents that come in single sheets, look for scanners with an ADF or automatic document feeder, which will pull the different pages through the scanner for you.
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Read scanner specifications for information about editing software that comes with the scanner. Different editing software allows you to do different things with the scanned documents or images. Purchasing a scanner without software that allows you to edit the scans as needed keeps you from fully using the scanner.
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