scanner recommendation

Our 12 yo HP Scanjet 3500C is finally giving up the ghost. I've uninstalled the driver, turned it off, rebooted the computer, and it still is giving faulty images.

I've decided to simply buy another scanner. HP apparently doesn't have a flatbed scanner of recent make in the $125 and below range, so I'm looking at Epson or Canon.

Does anyone have a recommendation for or against one of those two companies (or Brother, if those are good)--again, the scanner would be in the low end range. I do want a scanner that has been recently brought out, b/c I'd like to make sure that the maker will carry drivers for it as long as possible. The first scanner I bought, I had to replace when I upgraded to XP, so I'd like to have it around for a long time.

This would be for casual home use. There would be no professional jobs--we use our ScanJet 3500C about once every week or two.

The models I'm looking at are:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Office-Products-LiDE120-Scanner/dp/B00LN0NUOO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430155663&sr=8-1&keywords=Canon+-+CanoScan+LiDE210+Flatbed

http://www.amazon.com/Epson-B11B232201-Perfection-V39-Flatbed/dp/B00VMWQ8C4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430155768&sr=8-1&keywords=Epson+-+Perfection+V39+Flatbed

http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Perfection-V19-Document-Scanner/dp/B00SQ6CCSS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430181652&sr=8-1&keywords=epson+v19+scanner

 

I really would like to stay with HP (I have had excellent luck with their printers and scanners). I did see one all in one, an HP Envy 4500: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-4500-wireless-e-all-in-one-printer-black/8949452.p?id=1218956269709&skuId=8949452

The price is right.

Would folks here recommend not buying an all in one? I would only be interested in the scanner function, not the printing.

 

I have used Canon, Epson, Samsung & HP all in ones. All are good & capable.

I would suggest that you search for user feedback on the model that you want to purchase on the net.

 

Hi Paul, I have 2 HP All in One units. 2050 & 2540 (wireless) and have had good results with both. I get refilled cartridges to keep the cost down and put up with HP telling me they've detected 'Pirate' cartridges and I'm going to lose bonuses. Neil.

 

OK that's good to know.

I wouldn't be using the all in one for printing--I've got a nice LaserJet P1102 hooked up already. I just need the scanning.

If I think the top row on our computer desk (that hosts the 12 lb printer and the scanner) can handle the extra weight (12 lbs vs. 6 for the flatbed scanner) I think I'll just get an HP all in one. They are every bit as cheap as the flatbed scanners from the other folks.

 

If you will be doing a lot of scanning, then a stand-alone scanner may be a better choice. But for occasional scanning, an all-in-one is great. I have an HP Photosmart 7525 all-in-one and it works great, was not too expensive, and most importantly for me, the fax, copier, scanner, and printer only consume the desk space (and wall outlet) of one device, not 4.

BTW, I never - as in NEVER EVER install the software suite that comes with these devices on my computers. These software suites typically include all sorts of full time running services, updaters and other features that are unneeded and often bog systems down. You only need the basic drivers.

Without the installed suite, faxing, printing and copying directly from the machine is still very straight forward. And scanning is still pretty easy simply by entering the AIO's IP address in my browser and connecting to the AIO's internal menu. From there, it is simple to scan. But note I may scan a 1 page document 5 or 6 times a year - if that. So this method is easy enough for me.

Note too by using my browser instead of HP's suite, I can still check ink levels, network status, settings etc.

 

Well the specs on the flatbeds are certainly higher---4800 dpi compared to the 1200 that the HP Envy can offer. I couldn't find any information on how long it takes to scan pages, although I'm sure that depends on page size and content...

I'll look at that issue you've raised. We scan a bit more, mabye once ever week, or two weeks at the most.

Another issue is how long I can expect drivers for. This HP 3500C has worked from XP on up till now--through Windows 7. The Espon I had before that only had drivers for 98 and ME, but not for XP, so I had to get a new one. I'd rather not have to get a new scanner just because I'm getting a new desktop, so I'm looking for a scanner that has only been introduced in the last year or two--I'm thinking they will make driver updates (for the new Windows OS) longer for that model.

 

Most of the current scanners/printers support Win7 & Win8. It's not necessary that the manufacturer would support newer OS on old hardware, even if its 2 years old.

 

No, its not necessary at all, but it certainly means that the customers don't have to go out and buy a new scanner, just because they upgraded their computer. I like the idea that a company has provided updated drivers for models that they have already sold.

 

PHP:

Well the specs on the flatbeds are certainly higher---4800 dpi compared to the 1200 that the HP Envy can offer. I couldn't find any information on how long it takes to scan pages, although I'm sure that depends on page size and content...

I thought that scan time and print time were dependent on the dpi setting you chose.
My HP2540 scans at max 2400 dpi which I consider was a good buy for $49.00 Brand New. (Loss leader specials at retailers).
The genuine HP ink cartridges cost about $40.00 for Black which cost me $21.60 for a refill at Cartridge World. They usually last me about a ream of paper.
My most important requirement at purchase was compatibility between the HP 2050 and 2540 cartridges. They used the same series #61/61C but HP made a program change in their circuit board (print head) and the 2050 cartridges could not be used in the 2540.
More sales for HP and an email blast from me. Just another point to be aware of.
These have been good machines and have given no problem. Neil.

 

@ Site mods/admin - anyway you can edit retiredlearners PHP code and toss in a couple line returns? That code box is forcing the whole page to span across both my monitors.