Shopping for a scanner but don’t know which type is right for you? Whether you’re looking for a basic document scanner, a high-powered photo scanner, or something in between, there are many different types of scanners available to suit your needs.
In 2023, getting to know different Scanner Types is very important because there have become an essential tools these days. So, in this Comprehensive Guide to the different Scanner Types, we will tell you the different Scanner Types and which one is suitable for your needs.
All the different Scanner Types you should know:
Flatbed Scanners
Flatbed scanners are the most common type of scanner on the market, and they work by illuminating a document resting on a flat glass surface. They come in both traditional desktop models and combination scanning/copying devices that provide added functionality in one unit. They produce high-quality scans at resolutions up to 4,800 dots per inch (DPI) with some models offering much higher resolutions. Flatbed scanners are ideal for scanning photographs and documents alike, known to be one of the most used scanner types.
Handheld Scanners
Handheld scanners are mobile and can be used in the field or away from the office. They are ideal for scanning large documents such as maps and charts. These scanners can store images when disconnected using an internal memory storage unit which allows them to be used anywhere a power source is not available. Common resolutions for handheld scanners run along the lines of 1,200 DPI—which is suitable enough for small text document scanning—with higher resolution models clocking in at 5,400 DPI.
Sheet-fed Scanners
Sheet-fed scanners are considered the best scanners for office use. Simple to install and operate, users simply feed paper sheets into the scanner. This type of scanner is compact and can be used with a laptop if desired, but is mainly used in stationary setups—so it’s best suited for those who scan rarely or in bulk. Like handheld scanners, sheet-fed models come in various resolutions from 1,200 DPI up to 5,400 DPI maximum.
Document Scanner
Document scanners are the most versatile type of scanner. These expensive but powerful devices are made to scan large amounts of documents quickly and efficiently. They have a large paper tray, so they can continually accept paper while scanning in batches. With resolutions up to 5,400 DPI, these scanners give fine detail and accurate images. Document scanners also offer various features such as duplex scanning, feeding multiple pages at once, and stapling documents.
Portable Scanner
Portable document scanners (aka pocket scanners) are a perfect example of modern convenience. These small and lightweight devices are usually the size of a pen or smaller, and they allow you to scan documents anywhere you go – making them ideal for busy people on the go. Although these scanners aren’t as powerful as other types, they offer great features such as Wi-Fi or USB connectivity, cloud storage capability, and mobile applications that will make uploading your scanned data easy.
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