When are sheetfed scanners better?
Sheetfed scanners use less desk space than flatbed scanners. Their built-in sheet feeders give you an edge in speed when you must scan many originals. Also, some models allow the scanning head to be removed to allow you to scan originals that can’t go through the feed slot, such as books and oversized sheets. You may want to evaluate multi-function units that combine a scanner with fax and printer features to make sure they aren’t trying to offer too much and not doing any of it well. • Are transparency scanners worth the money? A competent flatbed scanner often sells for under $400. A scanner made to scan 35mm negatives and slides can cost 2 to 4 times as much. Buy the transparency scanner if you have a large collection of slides or negatives to scan because flatbed scanners handle small slides poorly and with limited resolution (see tip below). If most of your scanning will consist of other items, however, save your money and go with a less-expensive scanner. • The quickest connectio
