How To Clean and Maintain a Flatbed Scanner

Don't you hate it when things go wrong in the most crucial times? It is funny how printers regularly jam during crunch time or when fax machines go loopy when you're waiting for a specific document for a business meeting, or when you can't digitize your notes when you need to make a presentation because your scanner died. Wise men say, prevention is the best cure. So let's talk about how we can avoid the above mentioned scenarios, specifically the scanner mishap.

Before you start, make sure that the scanner is not plugged into your computer or any electrical sockets. That means disconnect any power or USB cables. Next, set your scanner on a stable and flat surface to ensure that it does not fall while you work on it.

Cleaning

Now that the scanner is ready to be cleaned, start with the scanner glass. Spray a mild glass cleaner on a soft, lint-free cloth and start wiping. Do not spray directly the glass cleaner onto the glass. If you do not have glass cleaner, do not use water as a replacement! Instead, wipe it with lint-free cloth.

Next, remove the AFD pad and look at it from the side. Focus on the rubber tip of the pad, if it looks worn then it is time to replace the pad. You can use the same cloth used to wipe the glass for the AFD as well as the shell of the scanner.

How often should you clean your scanner? It depends on how often it is used and what kind of environment your scanner is in. If the scanner is used regularly, you should clean it twice a week. If you have noticed, things like dust, hair, and fingerprints affect the quality of the images that are scanned. Make sure you remove those particles or clean the glass regularly because if these deposits are ignored it may take more than simple cleaning to fix.

Article from http://www.howtodothings.com

Fujitsu fi-6800

Scanners: What To Look For

There are two main types of scanners: flatbed and document. Flatbed scanners are the most familiar to people. These include a hinged lid, much like that of a copier. You place your original on the plate, then close the lid and scan. Flatbed scanners can also include holders for scanning film or slides, making them extra flexible.

If your scanning needs involve documents rather than photos, film or slides, a document scanner is a good way to convert reams of paper documents to digital. Document scanners include an automatic document feeder (ADF), so you don't have to feed documents through the machine one at a time.

Here's what the experts say to look for when buying a scanner for your home or small business:

•Flatbed configurations are easier to use for the widest range of scanning. The Canon and Epson models in ConsumerSearch's Best Reviewed section are flatbeds; experts recommend avoiding sheet-fed and handheld units for all-purpose scanning projects. The Fujitsu corporate scanner has an automatic document feeder rather than a flatbed, as this model is intended for high-volume scanning.

•The higher the resolution the better, especially for detailed photo jobs or for enlargements. Scanner resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi) or pixels per inch (ppi). The Canon CanoScan 8800F, for example, has an optical resolution of 4,800 by 9,600 dpi, meaning it scans 4,800 dots per inch horizontally and 9,600 dots per inch vertically. Most manufacturers reference just the first number; hence, the Canon is a 4,800 dpi scanner. Only the least expensive scanners offer less than 4,800 dpi; the Canon CanoScan LiDE 100 (*Est. $55) has a resolution of 2,400 dpi. Even these inexpensive scanners should be fine for most general-purpose document work or low-resolution photo scans destined for the Internet. Note that scanners intended solely for document work -- including high-end models -- usually have resolutions of 600 dpi, all that's needed for document scanning. Experts stress that a scanner's native optical resolution is more important than either interpolated or enhanced resolution, both of which are derived via software.

•Nearly all scanners are equipped with 48-bit color depth. Color depth refers to the number of colors that can be displayed, which is important for what the experts call "dynamic range," defined as the ability to capture subtleties within light and dark gradations. The higher the bit depth, the more colors used in the image; therefore, the larger the file size. For instance, 24-bit color corresponds to 16.7 million colors, and it's basic. If you'll be enlarging prints or scanning negatives or slides, opt for 48-bit because it can differentiate between subtle gradations. Some scanners, such as HP's Scanjet G4050 (*Est. $175), offer 96-bit color depth, and those can be a good choice if you scan original paintings or drawings, which have an even wider spectrum of colors than photographs or slides.

•Included software is standard, so look for a good package. Scanners typically come with image-editing software, plus an optical character recognition (OCR) package that converts scanned text into an editable document. Photo scanners include software to edit and manage photos on your PC. Many also include a PDF converter. Even inexpensive models now include some form of image correction software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, for removing flaws from damaged or dirty originals. You can expect better results, however, from higher-end models, such as Kodak's hardware-integrated Digital ICE Technology.

•If you want to convert scanned text into an editable document, you need OCR software. Editors note that getting good results with OCR can be tricky, especially when enlarging small images. If OCR is important, consider the quality of the scanner's bundled OCR software, or budget extra for a good stand-alone OCR application.


Article from http://www.consumersearch.com/scanner-reviews/important-features

How to Repair a Flatbed Scanner

Flatbed scanners are lifesavers to many businesses and individuals. They not only enable you to scan documents and fax them, but you can also scan photos and share them with family and friends. The great thing about scanners is that they rarely malfunction and don't need much maintenance.

When scanners cause problems, it's usually because of a bad cable or the scanner's software. Therefore, when you're experiencing problems with the scanner, determine if it's the hardware. If not, find out if it's the software or your computer system.

• Step 1

Verify the scanner's power and cable connections.
Make sure the scanner's power cord is plugged in. Verify that the USB cable is securely connected to the computer and scanner. Your power light should be on.

• Step 2

Perform a self-test on your scanner.
Check your scanner manufacturer's manual to see if your scanner has a self-test mode. If so, run it. Find out if the scanner came with diagnostic utilities software. Run this software if you have it.

• Step 3

Check for software updates.
Visit your scanner manufacturer's website to see if it has a new patch or updated device driver. Download the new version and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the new update.

• Step 4

Verify your scanner is not consuming all of your resources.
Exit out of all your applications while you're scanning documents or photos. If your system continues to act sluggish, consider installing additional RAM (random access memory)in your computer. Check to make sure that you have a lot of hard drive space.

• Step 5

Close your antivirus application.
Exit out of your antivirus application to see if your system operates faster. If your PC runs smoother, you must make sure your antivirus software is compatible with your scanner software. Visit your anitvirus software company's website to see if you can download a patch or device driver to resolve this problem.

Article from eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_4866738_repair-flatbed-scanner.html

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Lease

Do you want to lease a scanner? Calculate how much it going to be rate using this calculator.
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Kodak has a scanner selector here. Take a look and return to our store for Kodak scanners

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This week we have lower the prices for HP multifunctional devices. You save between 50-200 dollars. To shop for these all-in-one, scanner, copier, printer - click here.

Scanner Guide

Scanner Guide

Check this Scanner Guide. Great guide that answer your questions.

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