Robust & inexpensive scanner?

[spiffy]

Hi everyone,

I've been using a Microtek ScanMaker 4800 for scanning media labels, and I've been fairly happy with the results -- until now. Seems like the hardware itself doesn't like the repeat motion of scanning only the 6 inch or so of disc surface, and it's been halting on me a lot lately, and the scanned images don't seem to be as sharp as before.

So I am wondering if there are any brands and models that are much more robust in handling this sort of short distance scanning and not too expensive? Ideally I'd like to find a photo scanner equipped with CCD sensors, and hopefully no more than $100. Am I asking for too much?

Again, though the primary function of the scanner will be scanning disc labels, I still need it for all other types of scanning jobs as well. I've been combing through lots of online reviews, and seems like most models in this price range are mediocre at best. I guess you get what you paid for; but I find it a bit difficult to justify $300+ for scanning disc labels.

Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Spiffy

[ROF]

I was in the market last month for a relatively cheap scanner. I needed to replace an epson 1250 sacnner that was finally starting to show it's age plus I wanted something that scanned full sheet documents quicker. I bought an Epson Perfection 3490 Photo Scanner. This scanner looked like my old 1250 but it's functionality, quickness, and clarity was light years ahead of the 1250. I got mine at Staples Office Supply for $89.

[ranchhand]

I have been using a Canon that I paid under $100 for from Best Buy (I forget the model number, I'm at work) and so far works a treat. Lots of family photo scanning at hi-res (200 mb files), I am very satisfied.

[budz]

I also have a CANON model number N670U scanner. I bought mine from OFFICE DEPOT as a clearance item for $45.00. Last year I scanned 275 photos for a family slide show that I created on DVD. It's a great scanner especially for old photos I have that are from the 1930's!

[spiffy]

Seems like it's always down to Epson and Canon these days... Between these two brands, if I will be doing a lot of DVD label scanning, which one will hold up better hardware wise?

[ROF]

I've purchased both Epson and Canon Scanners that were bad. All the recommended ones here so far are quite good. You will know it's limitations within the first 30 days especially under moderate to heavy usage. If you experience any problems, strange sounds, or other performance/visual issues, return it immediately. Don't wait for the problem to manifest itself in bad scans.

[lordsmurf]

Canon, Microtek ... screw the others. Although I must say my Memorex from 5+ years ago still works great.

What you want to avoid is a scanner that does moire patterns on your image, or one that upscales resolution from a small chip.

[ranchhand]

That's it . .. the one Budz has, the Canon N670U, that's the one I have. And I have the same experience as Budz. It's a workhorse.

[Cobra]

Canon make really good scanners. I've got a LiDE 35 - doesn't even need a power cable as it draws all it needs off USB. It can even stand up on it's side to save space, and makes fine quality scans.

[spiffy]

Actually, the Canon N670U is not even available any more...

I went to the store tonight, looked at the Epson 3490, the Canon 4200F and the Canon 8400F -- but left because I couldn't decide.

[spiffy]

Does anyone know if Canon scanners can perform descreening when the scanning resolution is over 600 dpi? I finally tried the Epson 3490, but discovered that it will not do descreening when I set the resolution higher than 600 dpi -- my original Microtek Scanmaker 4800 did not have this problem, and I was able to scan at 1200 dpi and still descreen.

Thanks again in advance,

Spiffy