Before we look into what to search for when buying an image scanner I will give you a bit of knowledge on what an image scanner does. An image scanner is a device that is used to scan documents or images to be converted into digital format. The document must be provided in some way to the scanner so it may analyze it and convert it into digital pixels. There are many different pixel types, each of which can affect the quality of the image being scanned.

Image Scanner Types

There are many types of image scanners that are used with a variety of purposes.

A Flatbed Scanner is an image scanner with a flat transparent surface, an illuminating lamp, and a reading device built underneath. This image scanner is the most common type used to scan documents, images, and photos. The document scanned is placed, face down, on this transparent surface and a cover blocks any external light into the scanner. While the reading apparatus moves along the document or image it is then converted into the digital version which is displayed on the computer.

Drum Scanners

This is a more advanced image scanner, which use photomultiplier tubes to scan even the subtlest nuances in the images. They have a drum-like device where the document is mounted. This type of image scanner is much slower than the flatbed image scanner due to its design.

Handheld Scanners

This type of image scanner is a small, handheld device which contains the reading and illuminating apparatus. This image scanner is supposed to be slid by hand on the document steadily in order to read it, which converts the document or image to digital format, and is displayed onto the computer. This particular version of the image scanner is not as popular due to the inconvenience of operating it.

Barcode Scanners

This type of image scanner is commonly found in superstore billing areas. They can be both handheld or fixed, and they have different reading arrangements, such as photodiodes, charged couple devices, laser, and even mini cameras have made their presence in the newer versions. This type of image scanner can read an arrangement of thick and thin bars on product packages and then convert them into a prerecorded code number which then points to the name and the price of the item.

WHAT IMAGE SCANNER SHOULD I BUY?

Your decision in choosing a type of image scanner should be motivated by your purpose and needs. A Flatbed image scanner is the best type for both homes and offices, even for photography and high-end professional purposes. The prices can range from dirt-cheap to extremely expensive due to the variations in their technology and capabilities, so the quality they produce will vary accordingly. Drum Scanners are a more redundant type of image scanner. Although they are powerful their slow speed and inconvenience lead to a distinct drop of popularity in this type of image scanner. They are also terribly expensive, pushing them onto the backburner while modern flatbed scanners have evolved as a cheaper, more common image scanner. You will only need a Drum Scanner if you are into highly technical needs such as jewelry scanning, archiving classic photographs, etc. Handheld Scanners were commonly used in the past because they were far cheaper than Flatbed Scanners, but this type of image scanner is an inconvenience because an unsteady hand could produce an abysmal image, which made this kind of image scanner avoidable. In the case of buying a Barcode Scanner, you would definitely need one if you are operating a mall or a supermarket where you need to bill your customers. Select the fixed ones rather than the handheld ones, because it increases efficiency and is less taxing on the cashier. These various image scanners can be purchased online at Maunatex.com where the prices are very competitive, bundle deals, free shipping on most items, and discount pricing on large quantities.

Technical Terms to know when buying an Image Scanner.

Bit Depth

For every pixel in an image the image scanner remembers a certain number of bits, which is called the bit depth. The higher the bit depth the more likely you will get a more crisp image, and it gives the image scanner more information to distinguish the shades of the same colour. A adequate bit depth for most documents and graphics would be at least 24. For slides, negatives or transparencies, you should look for a bit depth of at least 30. Optical Resolution

The optical resolution is the measure of dots or pixel per square inch (dpi) or (ppi). The higher the number of dot or pixels per inch the better the resolution and image quality the image scanner has. For average users 300 (dpi) is adequate but for graphic artist a (dpi) of 600 would be more adequate. For slides, negative or transparencies you would need an image scanner with (dpi) of 1200.

Speed

The speed depends on the resolution of the image scanner that you are using. An image scanner with a 1200 (dpi) will take longer than an image scanner with 300 (dpi). An image scanner with 300 (dpi) colour scan will take 100 sec or 30 sec for a monochrome 300 (dpi) scan.

Software

When you buy any image scanner you will get software that goes with it, which is usually the basic software. For editing or creating interesting effects you would need to upgrade your software. If you want to edit text with your scanned documents you will need Optical Recognition Software (ORS). This software examines the scanned documents and converts it to a format that can be read by the word processor, spreadsheet, or database. If editing scanned text is all you want then buy a black and white (monochrome) scanner.