If you can think back to a time not so long ago, you will remember when the first document scanners came on to the market for both business and home use. If you can remember these early document scanners, you will remember that not only were they were very basic in the functions that they offered, but also that the quality of the scanned document was sketchy at best. As time has moved on and technology has advanced, document scanners have cemented their place in the office, studio and home as essential items for publishing and sharing, whether that be for a boardroom meeting or for sharing on a social network.
As with all technological appliances, as technology has advanced, the range of functions, uses and outputs for document scanners, not to mention software packages, have also rapidly advanced meaning for the average user, it can be a minefield when it comes to choosing a document scanner that is right for their needs.
So, with the huge range of document scanners now available on the market and the various options each one possess, how can the average user find a document scanner that will be right for them?
The answer is pretty straightforward and is in part, answered by the question itself.
In order for a person to choose a document scanner that meets their needs, first the person needs to assess what those needs are.
This is not as difficult as it sounds because the key thing to remember is that all document scanners have one purpose, to scan and print/store/share the output however the user wishes too.
With the above in mind, we have identified the three most important factors a person must decide upon before purchasing a document scanner and these are:
Scanning & Output Resolution
When it comes to Scanning & Output Resolution, it is important to know what type of document you will be scanning.
If you plan to scan just simple images and photographs, then a lower resolution will usually be fine, however, if you are planning on scanning detailed graphics, reports or other complex documents, then you will need a higher resolution.
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As a rule of thumb, we recommend a document scanner with a scanning resolution of at least 2400dpi as this resolution will scan most documents to a good level.
Scanning Area
When it comes to scanning area, it is important to understand the size of the documents you are looking to scan.
If you plan on just scanning simple photographs, then most document scanners will easily cater for these, however, if you are planning on scanning complex documents of A3 resolution or higher, then you will need to choose a more advanced document scanner that can cater for larger scanning areas.
As a rule of thumb, most documents come with a scanning area of 8.5 x 11 so make sure whatever document scanner you are planning to buy can at least cater for this scanning area.
Scanning Software
One of the most important components of any document scanner is not the scanner itself but the type of software it can support.
Most entry-level document scanners come with basic image manipulation software which gives the average user some features to play with, however, if you are a graphical engineer for example then you may need a document scanner which can not only offer more features, but can accommodate more advanced software offering further benefits etc.
As a rule of thumb, most document scanners come with software that is compatible with the more common software tools i.e. Microsoft Image and Adobe Photoshop.
So there you have it, if you are planning on purchasing a document scanner any time soon, make sure you ask yourself these questions because by having the right answers for these questions, you will be in a better position to purchase the right document scanner for you.
Author Bio: Author Bio: Carl Smith is the Brand Manager for The Scanner Shop which specialises in Canon Document Scanners and is one of the biggest online suppliers of document scanners to SME’s and Blue Chip Organisations in the UK.
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