Scanner Advice anyone?

[Inkohoots]

Hello all,
I'm new to the forum and am totally hooked. I want to participate but I don't have a scanner. I've been looking at ads from the paper to see generally what's available. However I really don't know what features I should be looking for. I'm wondering if you could tell me what features I should be sure to get. Help, I'm anxious to start creating and sharing. Thanks in advance. Chris

[MonTigg]

If you really want a scanner I would get one with at least 1200 DPI... personally if you are juyst looking to post photos I would use your dijital camera if you already have one- that's what I do.

[CROPANDSTAMP]

Hi,
I do not use my scanner either. I use my digital camera. I think it is easier. Just remember after you upload your images from your camera to your computer, give them a specific name, not just jpeg123456 etc. I read somewhere here that it makes it much easier for the webmasters to sort through uploads when they have specific names. Also, make sure your file is not too large or it will take forever to load.Hope this helps.

[Ally]

I bought my scanner on ebay. I paid $20 for it, instead of the $100+ I would have paid in the stores. I bought mine from UK ebay, but I'm sure there would be lots on US ebay.

I much prefer the scans of my cards to the photos I took with my digital camera.

All I would say is check the scanner on review sites before you decide to bid.

[GarnetJ]

If you're like me -- very, very stingy -- try looking for Freecycle.org and then look to see if there is a Freecycle group near you. I have seen tons of computer stuff, including scanners, given away for free here on my local freecycle.
[BTW: I just gave away a bed, fence wire, garden sprinklers, apples, doors from a remodel project and sewing patterns. Freecycle is just about as much fun as Splitcoast]

[Vintage Redhead]

I've decided that I'm a technophile...and so are my kids. They clearly didn't get that from their dad...even though he would like to think so. He's just got an outdated laptop. I could afford my taste in electronics if I'd give up my stamping and scrapping habits. *THAT'S* not likely to happen any time soon....

I love my Epson 3170 Photo. It's got scanning capability to 3200 dpi - which I'm pretty sure is more clear than real life. It's got capability for USB 2.0 and Firewire connections...(neither of which I can use because my computer is quickly approaching 4 years old and only USB 1.0 was around then.) Wish I could tell you how fast this puppy can move, but on a USB 1.0 while I standard scan at 300 dpi, it doesn't move very fast. The most clear I've every tried to scan was 1200 dpi - it took over an hour.

The other thing that I *love* about this machine: it will scan negatives and slides. My maternal grandfather took more slides than photos, so I am slowly converting many of those to photographs. This machine cost me $150 almost 15 months ago; a separate slide scanner would have cost me roughly the same so for me, this machine represented a huge *savings.*

Another *HUGE* bonus: It came with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 and I just *LOVE* that program!!! That alone was worth the price. Yes, it is a bit of a complicated program. However, it is also an extremely *powerful* program and I have features that no other photo-editing software program that I know of has.

Good luck with *your* ultimate decision~!! ~ Kaylyn

[SOS]

I'm assuming you're talking about a flatbed scanner? How big is the bed? Do you know of any 3 in 1s or just photo printer/scanner that will handle 12x12 cardstock?

Thanks,

[doxiejan]

Went to Wal-Mart today and they had TONS of scanners on sale. Got a Lexmark scanner/printer/fax for 59.00. Have had LexMarks in the past and love them. This one is really user friendly too.
I have taken pics of my creations with my camera and some turn out good and some dont. Cant get the lighting just right to suit my picky self.
Good luck on finding what works for you.