A scanner is a component that can be added to a personal computer to digitally copy images and/or text. Scanned material can be rendered into graphic or text files and formats.
Flatbed and digital scanners have revolutionized the home office environment, allowing users to access - and share - pictures, logos and graphics and to turn documents into computer files that can be edited and formatted to suit your needs.
Today's flatbed and digital scanners typically offer exceptional quality at a modest price. However, if you plan to use your scanned images in high-end print jobs, you might want to use the services of a graphics firm that is equipped with a state-of-the-art drum scanner.
There are several types of scanners suitable for the home office environment:
Flatbed Scanners, the most popular scanning technology available, are designed with the scanner horizontally mounted (like a bed!) to scan in pictures, documents, book and magazine pages, and other material.
Photo Scanners move a photo over a still or stationary light source.
Transparency Scanners are especially useful for slides as they pass a light through an image to scan.
Handheld Scanners are usually about the size of a hand. These scanners are the most inexpensive scanning device, and can be especially useful where space is limited.
