How to choose a scanner
The question of choosing a scanner for your home is important, if only because even at home it can be used for different purposes. What characteristics should a home scanner have and how to make the right choice will be discussed in this article.
The content of the article
Selecting the type, type of scanner
Manufacturers produce 3 types of scanners, which differ slightly in design features:
- Tablet. Its distinctive feature is the glass substrate, where a scanned printed or handwritten publication is placed in the form of a paper sheet, notebook, or book. During image processing using such a device, the original does not move, the light beam smoothly slides along the screen canvas. This is the most common type of scanners that are installed at home or in the office.
- Drawing. Designed for digitizing individual sheets of paper, so books and other expanded documents are not suitable for it. The body of a broach scanner is in many ways similar in appearance to a standard printer, equipped with an output tray and a page output connector. The difference is that in this case the paper already contains information, which is converted into a graphic file as a result of scanning.
- Slide scanner. This type of equipment is used to obtain data in the form of slides from photographic film; the finished photographs are stored in the PC memory.
REFERENCE! Some models of flatbed scanners are equipped with slide adapters that perform similar tasks of converting photos into computer form.
Dimensions, functionality
The sizes of the presented varieties are almost the same. However, when the desktop area is very limited, then the optimal solution would be to purchase a compact scanner. From the name, a tablet looks like a paper folder with an opening lid that presses the document against the glass base on top. Typically, it is made in a flat, rectangular case with several buttons and indicator lights. Its parameters are often slightly larger than an A4 sheet. For comfortable use of such a unit, you should provide not only a place for placement, but also additional space at the top for opening the module.
Extended is a more voluminous option with dimensions of about 30 by 50 cm. Therefore, installation requires a separate spacious shelf or significant free space on a desk or computer desk.
The budget version of the slide scanner is designed in the form of a compact box. It allows you to convert images from 35mm film. Larger devices allow you to digitize data of 60 by 70 millimeters. And the third category is for scanning photos 102*127 mm.
The quality of the resulting image largely depends on the optical resolution. The average for good readability and comfortable perception is from 600 to 1200 dpi. For professional photo processing, you should choose a model with a similar parameter of 2000 dpi.
The color depth or color rendition of inexpensive devices is only 24 bits, that is, there are 8 bits of data per color.To convey rich shades, versions with a maximum performance of 48 bits of digital color transfer are better suited.
ATTENTION! Modern versions are often equipped with a USB connector. It can be used both to connect to the mains and to synchronize with a personal desktop computer, laptop, or tablet.
Compatible with PC operating system: Windows, Mac OS or Linux. This is of great importance, since normal interaction with the device requires various drivers that provide comfortable control and configuration of the device.
Tips on which scanners are best for home
To equip a home PC, a scanner should be selected based on the needs for the quality of the resulting graphics and cost. The best option is an inexpensive tablet module, which allows you to convert a picture from either a piece of paper or a book. Its versatility will help you digitize almost any data. If you need to enter information from a large number of papers, it is better to choose a lingering one. Since automatic routing of paper versions significantly saves the user's time when scanning.
