thinking of getting a scanner...

[rise]

i'm basically looking for something small, fairly fast and easy to use. most scans would be b&w 8.5x11. i have very little experience with scanners. i had an old canon years ago that i got as a gift but i never really used it.

price range is 0-100 though i'd like to keep it closer to 50-75 unless nothing decent can be had in that range.

i found this on the egg but i'm guessing i may be better off at a staples or OD. the speed is also prettty slow, spec'd at 0:16 per page. the size and price are right though and seems easy to use.

any suggestions or things to look out for when buying scanners?

 

[Zepper]

I prefer Epson scanners but the Canon LIDE units are fine too and a bit more compact - probably slower than the self-powered (have their own power supply) ones though. They do draw significant power from the USB port however, so I'd suggest getting a self-powered USB hub to use with it so your other USB peripherals will have enough.
. You can get good deals on refurbed Epson scanners on their web store and often with free shipping too. The 3490 that they are selling there now for $69. shipped was chosen as a best under-$100.00 Christmas gift by Consumer Reports (the Dec. '06 issue I think).
. eBay usually has lots of good scanner deals too - I got my Epson 1260 PHOTO for $45. shipped off eBay a few years ago . Don't forget to check the For Sale/Trade section here as well. Then there is Craigslist.com or postaroo.com to check for them in your area.
. Lots of people used to get them for free (after rebate) with system purchases at the big box stores and dump them as they either already have a better one or simply have no need of one. Now they get MFPs in those bundles... Good luck.

.bh.

 

[rise]

cool, thanks Zep, i'll browse through those options