A hardware question

[C M Reinehr]

On Tue 31 May 2011 05:10:40 pm Stuart Biggerstaff wrote:
> Guys--
> 
> I don't think we've talked much about this kind of thing in a few years,
> but I have someone who needs a new image scanner.  I wondered if anyone
> here has any suggestions.  This is a bit OT here, as it will be used under
> Windows, but our main concern is hardware reliability and durability. 
> Anything we choose will likely have a usable TWAIN driver.
> 
> We are considering models from Fujitsu, HP, Epson, and Ricoh.  Our
> workhorses were a couple of Fujitsu 15Cs, till we stopped photocopying
> then scanning using the document feeder, when we moved to several (faster,
> but monochrome-only) 93GXs.  With the 93GXs starting to wear out and no
> longer available new, we replaced one with a fi-5220C.  It's USB, so no
> SCSI card to install, and though it is technically a successor to the 15C
> is faster than the 93GX.  On paper a very good choice, but it lacks the
> rigidity of the older ones, to the extent that it is possible to cause the
> imaging element to bind by holding a book down to scan.
> 
> The newer Fujitsu ones seem to be more robust, but probably still not as
> sturdy as the older ones.  And if possible we would like to go to an 11x17
> one, but the budget seems to be $4000.00, so wondering if there were any
> good candidates we might have missed.
> 
> 
> 
> Stuart Biggerstaff

Stuart,

Hi!

Without taking the time to chase down all the different models you've listed, 
can you summarize what you're looking for? Is that budget of $4K for one or a 
dozen?

Speaking in very general terms, I have an Epson 1680, flat-plate scanner (USB 
connection) here at my desk that turned 9 years old this month and has given 
me exceptional service. But, like your old Fujitsu is probably no longer 
offered.

For the office as a whole we use a Ricoh Color MFD (multi-function device, an 
MP C2550, to be specific) -- color scanning/printing/faxing/email/etc. This is 
our second and I've been very impressed with their quality, price and service. 
It's stand-alone or 10Base-T connected. They have good Windows support, of 
course, but also works well in a Linux environment.

HTH

cmr
-- 
Debian 'Lenny' - Registered Linux User #241964
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