Essential Information About A Flatbed Scanner

Essential Information About A Flatbed Scanner

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A flatbed scanner is an electric device used for creating a digital copy of documents or any other item. It has to be plugged into a computer to function as it's where the scanned image is sent. This device can be useful both in the office and at home. It makes it possible to have a softcopy of a document, for saving in the computer's hard drive, placing onto a data storage medium or sending via e-mail.

This device comes with a hinged lid; lift it up and there's a glass panel. This is where you place what you need to scan. Underneath the glass is a movable part that contains the image sensor. It takes a photograph of your document and displays what it has captured on the computer screen. Basically, the process of scanning is pretty much just like how a photocopier works.

Designed to be placed on a desktop, the advantages it has over other types of scanners make it a popular choice among consumers. It can work on individual document sheets. It can scan the pages of a book or other similar items where the pages are fastened together. It can even scan three-dimensional objects as well. However, only the parts of the objects touching the glass will have a clear image.

Essentially, there are two basic designs of this electronic device: flatbed and sheet-fed. A sheet-fed scanner, as the name itself suggests, has a feeder tray that automatically takes the document inside the scanner. Then it will be ejected onto another tray, usually located behind the device. The image sensor is stationary, unlike in a flatbed type where it's the one that moves beneath the document.

The bad thing about a sheet-fed design is it can scan individual pages only. For instance, it can be a problem if you have to scan the pages of a book. That is, unless you tear the pages to be able to feed them individually to the machine. Scanning fragile documents, such as old maps and photographs, is a setback too. Also, it's impossible to come up with a softcopy of three-dimensional objects.

A flatbed design doesn't come without its own set of disadvantages. For example, if you have to scan a stack of papers, it may take time as you have to manually place them individually on the glass panel. But in a sheet-fed type, it's a different story as everything is done automatically. Just imagine the amount of time wasted in scanning if it's installed in a very busy office environment.

In purchasing one, there are some things to be considered. This is important to make the most out of your purchase and maximize efficiency at the office, or even at home.

You need to pick the right amount of resolution for your needs. For everyday text-based documents, something from 400 to 600 dpi will do. But if you need to scan photographs for editing or reproduction, go for something with 1200 dpi. A 24-bit flatbed scanner is enough if you're not planning to make large-sized color posters, banners and the likes. Otherwise, you need to go for one with 30-bit or 36-bit color depth. It's also important to know the speed of the gadget. This will come very important if you need to work on large and multiple documents.

About the Author:
I know of a site that is amongst the UK's top flatbed scanner vendors, with nearly 60 million worth of stock available for next day delivery, including over 12 million worth of ink and toner cartridges.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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