Need a decent, fast flatbed scanner, what's good?

[Friday]

For our company, we are looking for a good, fast flatbed scanner. Being the PC guy for the company, the responsibility fell on me. On any given day, if you were to ask me about video cards, CPU's, or operating systems, I can spout off facts left and right. But, I was asked today to pick and buy a good scanner. Uhh... buy a what? I haven't the slightest clue of what to buy.

We use a program for Dynisys which does require a twain source. In testing, I did notice that our companies owner's HP all-in-on multifunction printer worked well with Dynisys. But, a different scanner, a large bulky device hooked in by some scsi interface, did not. The Dynisys software spouted off some crap about "no twain source". I did notice that in the control panel, no scanner was listed with the bulky model.

So, knowing these clues, what is a good scanner in the $200-300 price range.
Thanks in advance for all and any replies

-Tim

 

[Zepper]

Epson usually ranks high in scanner comparos - I have a budget model of an older generation and the results are very good. The more you pay the faster they are. Check the Clearance store on Epson.com - good prices and often free ground shipping. froogle.google.com can also help find good prices when you've decided on a model.

.bh.

 

[bsobel]

What resolution, speed, duty cycle do you need?

 

[Friday]

Thanks for the replies.

Under pressure from management to get this ordered immediately, I decided to go with a Xerox 510 Documate

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=549975

The resolution needed to enough to handle text invoices, and speed was a big concern, and they wanted to keep it to $250-300. Photo quality wasn't needed, which is what the Epson line seemed to focus on. Hopefully, I made the right choice...

 

[Zepper]

The Epsons do tend to focus on photos, but if you crank the scanning res back to what is adequate for text documents (like 200dpi), the scanning speed goes up. But that Xerox looks like it should suit you fine. I was unaware that Xerox made scanners but it is probably a rebadge anyhow.

.bh.

 

[tiap]

Try Jetsoft scanning software. I use it on my big bulky scsi scanner and it works better and faster than a lot of new ones.
I think there is a trial version to try. Email them for compatability.
BTW, Scsi is much better if you can get it to work.

 

[CocoGdog]

I like my Canon Lide models. Its flat, small, and doesn't need a power source (runs on USB 2.0). If you like to save space, go with the Lide or HP 4600 series.

If you like ultra-fast, hi-res scans - go with most Epson scanners. Higher price, better models.