Better Ways to Spend Your Money Than a Crazy-Expensive Scanner

Scanners are expensive. The price of a new scanner, though, is downright ridiculous. For example, a new Bell & Howell Ngenuity line scanner can run you upwards of $33,000! Insane. We’ve got some ideas for other, we think better, ways to spend that money.

As I said, a new Ngenuity scanner can cost you $33,000. On the other hand, Imaging Systems offers professionally refurbished (that means working like new!) Spectrum XF line scanners for $6,000–this price also includes a Windows 7-compatible workstation AND assisted set-up!

So, that leaves you with $27,000 left over. We have a few ideas of great ways to spend that extra cash…

1. $27,000 buys you 27 Siberian Husky puppies! TWENTY SEVEN. Just look at those faces. NOW MULTIPLY THAT BY 5 (and add two more)! Definitely better than just one Ngenuity scanner. Although. Puppies are a lot of work, and no human has enough energy to tire out 27 Husky puppies. Trust me.

2. $27,000 buys you about 3 of these “The Maestro” drinks. That’s right. Each drink is almost $9,000. It’s made with cognac, Kummel Liquer, Dubb Orange Curacao, and Angostura Bitters, and, I’d assume, a dash of Unicorn tears and stardust.

3. $27,000 buys you this red high heel sculpture. It’s a steal at 24,000! Why is this even a thing? On the bright side, with that extra 3 grand, you can buy a couple of those Siberian Husky puppies! Or 3,000 boxes of Mac ‘n Cheese. Your choice.

4. $27,000 buys you FOUR more of an Imaging Systems refurbished Spectrum XF line scanner (again, including a Windows 7-compatible work station and assisted set-up). And that leaves you some cash left over, if you really want an office puppy. Think about it. You could have a quick scanner in every room (or, every floor) AND a few cute little friends to hang around the office. Case closed. No contest.

Case in point, there are so many better things to spend your business’ money on than a crazy expensive scanner, especially when there are other similar-quality options out there for literally a fraction of the price. Call us up at Imaging Systems at (608) 276-5559 or check out our online store if you want to know more!

Fujitsu fi-4220C2 Scanner Review

The Fujitsu fi-4220C2 scanner is a compact and lightweight multi-use scanner. Its flatbed combined with its sheet-fed capabilities, as well as tons of great features, make it a great asset for any small business!

Dimensions:

• 9 in. x 22.9 in. x 22.4 in.
• 17.6 lbs.
• Really compact and lightweight, making it perfect for a cramped office.

Scan Resolution:

• 600 DPI.
• Pretty great scan quality. Text documents will look crisp and professional. Images will be a decent quality.

Speed:

• 25 PPM.
• Not great, but not awful. If you have a ton of scanning to do on a daily basis, though, you may want to look elsewhere for your scanning needs.

Media:

• Minimum scan size of 2.1 in. x 2.9 in.
• Maximum scan size of 8.5 in. x 14 in.
• The fi-4220C2 has a flatbed, making any 3D object that fits on it scan-able!

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder (ADF) with 50 sheet capacity.
• Double feed and auto page size detection.
• Hard card scanning capability.
• Long document scanning.

Overall Rating: 9/10

This scanner basically has everything. It’s small and lightweight, yet still gives great scan resolution and versatility. Its flatbed and ADF combo make it usable for basically any situation, and its features make it an efficient choice. Really there’s only one reason that it didn’t get a perfect 10/10: its speed. It’s not awful, but it’s also not great. At just 25 PPM, it can be a deal breaker for offices that have a high daily scan-load.

Overall, the Fujitsu fi-4220C2 scanner is a great, versatile scanner that doesn’t break the bank. Its one flaw (its scan speed) is one that can be over-looked by many businesses that don’t have hundreds upon hundreds of sheets to scan every day. All in all, it’s a great machine for a great price! What more could you want? If you’re interested in buying one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

Bell and Howell 8125DB Scanner Review

 The Bell & Howell 8125DB duplex scanner is the JJ Watt of scanners. Big, bulky, yet terrifyingly quick. If you’ve got a little extra room in your office and a need for an ultra quick scanner, the 8125DB is calling your name!

Dimensions:

• 18 in. x 23 in. x 27 in.
• 103 lbs.
• A pretty big machine. It’s heavy and semi-bulky, so if you’re super strapped for space it may be a tough fit.

Scan Resolution:

• 400 DPI.
• Not amazing scan resolution, but will still give you a great text scan. Images, though, won’t look amazing.

Speed:

• 125 PPM.
• Holy cats. That is so fast. That’s more than 2 sheets EVERY SECOND!
• If you need an incredibly fast scanner, the 8125DB is your new best friend.

Media:

• Maximum scan size of 11.7 in. x 40 in.
• Plain paper products, as it’s a sheet-fed scanner.
• Since there’s no flatbed, 3D objects are out.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder with 500 sheet capacity.
• Easy-to-use buttons and digital panel for quick and easy scanning.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Though there are some things about the Bell and Howell 8125DB scanner that leave you wanting more, it still got a high rating because its high points are so incredibly high. It has a decently good scanner resolution, which when paired with its unbelievable quickness and huge 500-sheet automatic document feeder makes it perfect for any business with a high scanner load.

The 8125DB scanner is big, bulky, and doesn’t have a ton of the “extra” features some businesses are looking for. However, any business with a lot of scans to do should seriously consider this scanner as it is one of the fastest, most efficient scanners available. If you are looking to buy one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

 

Canon DR 3080C Scanner Review

The Canon DR 3080C sheet-fed scanner is a small, light-weight scanner that is perfect for small businesses with limited space. It has some areas that could be better, but for its low price, it could be juuuustttt right for you and your small business!

Dimensions:

• 13.5 in. x 11 in. x 7.5 in.
• 18 lbs.
• Really compact and light-weight. It’s perfect for cramped offices and tight spaces.

Scan Resolution:

• 300 DPI.
• Your text documents will look pretty good.
• I wouldn’t recommend too much image scanning, as the resolution won’t do your images justice.

Speed:

• Black and White: 43 PPM.
• Color: 10 PPM.
• While not lightning fast, it’s not super slow, either. The black and white is a respectable speed, and for many businesses, black and white scans will make up 99% of all their scanning.

Media:

• As it’s a sheet-fed scanner, plain paper products (or paper products that aren’t too much thicker, such as business cards) are compatible with this scanner.
• Minimum scan size of 2.2 in. x 2.8 in.
• Maximum scan size of 10.1 in. x 39.4 in.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder (ADF) with 100 sheet capacity.
• On screen “scan panel” for easy operation.

Overall Rating: 7/10

The Canon DR 3080C scanner leaves a lot to be desired. Its scan resolution is OK, but nothing amazing, just like its scan speed. It doesn’t have many extras, and it doesn’t have the versatility that a flatbed scanner would provide. However, it is a fairly inexpensive scanner that is very light-weight and compact, and more importantly it will get the job done. For its low cost, it could definitely be an asset to a company that has a small budget but a need for a reliable scanner.

Like I said, the Canon DR 3080C scanner isn’t for everyone. Some businesses need faster speed or higher resolution. However, if you need an inexpensive scanner that is reliable, it could be just right for your small business! If you’re interested in buying one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

Panasonic KV SS905C Scanner Review

 The Panasonic KV SS905C scanner is a bulky, yet high-speed, high scan resolution scanner. It doesn’t have many “extra” features like some of its counterparts do, but its high points are incredibly high! It could be just right for your scan-heavy business!

Dimensions:

• 24.7 in. x 21.5 in. x 16.3 in.
• 114 lbs.
• It’s a fairly large scanner, and definitely heavy.

Scan Resolution:

• 600 DPI.
• Pretty great resolution. Text documents will look flawless, and images will be decently good.

Speed:

• 98 PPM.
• Super fast. Like, 2-5 times as fast as most other scanners. Compared to other scanners, its in the 99th percentile for sure.

Media:

• Maximum scan size of 11 in. x 17 in.
• Paper products, as there’s no flatbed to give you more versatility.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder with 1000 sheet capacity.
• Additional software available for long paper scanning (up to 180 feet).
• Advanced Panasonic Image Enhancement Technology including Dynamic Threshold Technology.

Overall Rating: 8/10

The Panasonic KV SS905C scanner got a pretty high rating even though it leaves a lot to be desired. No, it’s not perfect, but this is clearly a scanner that was designed for a specific purpose: high-volume scanning. Some businesses only need to scan a few times a day. This is not the scanner for you. Its incredibly fast speed and its automatic document feeder with 1000 sheet capacity combined with its high scan resolution makes it perfect for any business with a lot of text scans to do. It’s lacking in the “extras” department, sure, but like I said, this scanner was made for businesses that don’t really need those extras anyways.

Overall, the KV SS905C has some great high points while also having some areas that leave you wanting more. However, if you just need a scanner that’s quick and gives a great scan, this Panasonic model could be perfect for you. If you’re looking to buy one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

Fujitsu M3096E Scanner Review

 The Fujitsu M3096E scanner is an inexpensive, versatile flatbed scanner with sheet-fed capabilities. Its price and reliability could make it the perfect scanner for your small business!

Dimensions:

• 27.4 in. x 19.7 in. x 6.8 in.
• 38.6 lbs.
• It’s smaller than most flatbed scanners, and would probably fit in any small office without issue.

Scan Resolution:

• 400 DPI.
• Not amazing, but not awful, either.  Your text documents will look great, but if you have a lot of image scanning to do, you may want to look elsewhere.

Speed:

• 22 PPM.
• That’s pretty slow. The median for scanners is in the upper 30’s, so the M3096E is definitely lacking in this area.

Media:

• Minimum scan size of 6.8 in. x 8.3 in.
• Maximum scan size of 11.7 in. x 17 in.
• Flatbed scanner allows for 3D (and smaller paper) scanning capabilities.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder with 50 sheet capacity.

Overall Rating: 8/10

The Fujitsu M3096E is a great scanner for many businesses. It’s lacking in a lot of areas, as I’m sure you noticed, so why did it get a whopping 8/10? Price. This scanner is incredibly inexpensive, coming in at around 1/3 of the price of many other flatbed scanners. Yes, it leaves much to be desired, but if you just need a versatile scanner with a decent scan resolution that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank, this scanner is perfect.

Obviously if your business needs a faster, higher resolution, more gadget-y scanner, then the M3096E is not for you. But, I know there are plenty of businesses that just need a reliable scanner for a good price, in which case this Fujitsu model could be perfect. If you’re looking to buy one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

 

Bell and Howell 730DC Scanner Review

 The Bell and Howell 730DC scanner is a bulky sheet-fed/flatbed hybrid scanner that will give you an incredibly crisp scan. It could be perfect for a small business that needs a reliable, high-quality scanner!

Dimensions:

• 23 in. x 21 in. x 10 in.
• 61 lbs.
• Short and stubby. This is not a huge scanner, but it’s definitely not small either.
• It’s semi-wide and long, but doesn’t stand very tall. It’s decently heavy, too.

Scan Resolution:

• 600 DPI.
• Great resolution for any text document. They’ll come out crisp and clean!
• Image scans will be good but not great.

Speed:

• 38 PPM in black and white.
• 26 PPM in color.
• Right around the median (maybe a little on the low end) for scanning speed. It’s not going to be lightning fast, but it also won’t be excruciatingly slow.

Media:

• Minimum scan size of 4.1 in. x 5 in.
• Maximum scan size of 11.7 in. x 78 in.
• It has a flatbed scanner, making 3D objects fair game. Anything that can fit on the glass can be scanned.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder with 50 sheet capacity.
• Wow are there really no other features?

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

Am I being too harsh? I don’t think so. To be fair, the Bell and Howell 730DC does have some really great things about it that would fit in well with a lot of businesses. Some of those things are:

• Scan resolution. It will give you really great looking scans. Your images will be a little less great, but text document will look perfect.
• Versatility. The 730DC has both short and (very) long paper scanning capabilities, along with a flatbed that allows for any 3D object (that can fit on the glass) to be scanned, too. Basically, anything your business needs to scan can be scanned, within reason.

There are some downfalls to this scanner, though.

• The size. It’s not a huge issue, but it is kind of bulky and heavy. Not super small-office friendly.
• The speed. Again, it’s not a huge issue. But for a scanner that has a lot of versatility in what you can scan, it’d be nice for it to not take so long.
• The total lack of “extra” features. I like extras. An LCD display, OCR software, barcode recognition, something! The 730DC is definitely lacking when it comes to a “wow” factor.

Maybe you’re not as picky as me. Maybe you don’t need all the sparkle and shine, just a versatile, high-quality scanner. If that’s the case, the Bell and Howell 730DC is a great scanner for you! If you’re looking for one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

Canon CD-4050 Scanner Review

 The Canon CD-4050 scanner is a compact sheet-fed scanner with tons of cool features to help your office and business run smoothly.

Dimensions:

• 14 in. x 18 in. x 9 in.
• 46 lbs.
• The scanner is pretty compact, but slightly heavy. It’d fit most places in a small office, but might be a hassle if it needs to be moved around.

Scan Resolution:

• 300 DPI.
• Your text documents will look clean and crisp. Your images…Ehhhh. If you do a lot of image scanning, this probably isn’t the scanner for you.

Speed:

• 37 PPM.
• Definitely not super fast, but it’s not slow either.
• This scanner hits right around the median of scanners like it when it comes to pages per minute.

Media:

• Maximum scan size of 11 in. x 14 in.
• It’s a sheet-fed scanner, so you’re mostly dealing with plain paper.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder with 100 sheet capacity.
• Scan to e-mail capabilities.
• OCR software.
• Barcode recognition.
• Easy-to-use LCD touch screen.

Overall Rating: 8/10

The CD-4050 scanner has some really great features that make it more user-friendly and hassle-free than most other scanners like it.

• The large LCD touch screen is downright amazing. It is a high resolution touch screen that enables users to control all scanning operations and create customized filing systems easily and efficiently. The LCD screen also allows you to preview all scanned documents. It’s connected to the scanner by a semi-long cord that allows you to bring the touch screen to your desk with you, making scanning even easier and more efficient.
• All the software additions. The OCR, barcode recognition, and scan-to-email capabilities make it, again, an incredibly user-friendly scanner.
• The size. It’s incredibly compact, though a bit heavy. It’ll fit in any nook or cranny with no problem. Yes, it’s heavy, but because it has that movable LCD screen, you probably won’t be needing to move the scanner around too much anyways.

You’re probably asking yourself why, if it has so many wonderful features, it didn’t get 10/10? Well…

• The scan resolution. It’s not bad, but it’s also not great. You’re limited in your scanning options, as image scans will not look as good as you might want them.
• The speed. Again, it’s not bad, but it’s also not great. It’s not crawling, but some companies have mounds and mounds of papers to be scanned. Those companies should look elsewhere for a scanner.
• You’re also limited in your scanning due to the fact that it does not have a flatbed. Sheet-fed scanners are great, but sometimes you need to scan 3D objects or thicker paper or something that can’t be put through a sheet-fed scanner. Those are the times that it’s nice to have the versatility that a flatbed scanner offers.

The Canon CD-4050 scanner is a great, compact scanner that has tons of extra features that make it one of the easiest scanners out there. Its huge LCD screen is a huge bonus when it comes to working smarter. If speed and amazing scan quality are the most important things for your business, you’re probably better off choosing a different scanner. However, if they’re not as big of a priority, this scanner could be perfect for your business. If you’re looking to buy one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.biz!

Panasonic KV-S7065C Scanner Review

 The Panasonic KV-S7065C flatbed scanner is a great marriage between a sheet-fed scanner and flatbed scanner. It has great features, good speed, and high scan resolution, meaning it could possibly be great for your business!

Dimensions:

• 29.7 in. x 20 in. x 11.4 in.
• 65 lbs.
• Though not necessarily considered huge, it’s definitely not small, either.
• You’ll want a table/desk specifically for the scanner, and moving it around could be a pain.

Scan Resolution:

• 600 DPI.
• Really great! All your text documents will look crisp, clean, and professional. Your images will be alright, too.
• If your business is centered around images (and scanning those images), I’d recommend a scanner with higher resolution capabilities. If not, go for it!

Speed:

• 60 PPM.
• Pretty fast! It can definitely handle high volumes of scans without making you wait.

Media:

• Minimum scan size of 1.9 in. x 2.75 in.
• Maximum scan size of 11.7 in. x 25 in.
• It has a flatbed, making 3D objects fair game. If it fits on the glass, you can scan it!

Other Features:

• Automatic Document Feeder with 200 sheet capacity.
• Switchable black or white flatbed background.
• Ultrasonic double-feed, size, and jam detection.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Obviously the Panasonic KV-S7065C is a great scanner. It has some great features that make it great for any business. Those include:

• Scan resolution. The KV-S7065C will provide you with great, crisp, professional-looking scans.
• Speed. At 60 PPM, it will keep your office running smoothly by not having anyone waiting around for the scanner.
• Versatility. The flatbed feature combined with the sheet-fed makes this scanner usable in basically any circumstance. 3D objects, long pages, stacks of pages, anything goes!

There were just a couple setbacks, though.

• The size. Like I said before, it’s not a huge issue. The scanner is somewhat big and semi-heavy. Maybe that’s okay for you, but maybe it’s not. In terms of finding space for it and having the ability to relocate the scanner, it could’ve done better.
• The “extras.” Granted, there are some extras that are pretty great. But, it’d be nice to have a few more to sweeten the deal. I’m talking digital panel that allows you to edit your scans more easily. Something that “wow-ed” me would’ve been nice.

Despite its small shortcomings, the Panasonic KV-S7065C is a fantastic scanner worthy of a place in any scan-heavy office. Its high points largely outweigh its setbacks, and it could be a great asset for your business! If you’re looking to buy one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!

Canon DR-9080C Sheet-Fed Scanner Review

The Canon Dr-9080C is a freak of nature.
It has amazing scan speed, great resolution, and is overall one of the best sheet-fed scanners you’re gonna find!

Dimensions:

• 12.2 in. x 18.1 in. x 20.7 in.
• 55 lbs.
• Not tiny, not huge. It will fit snugly in a small office, but you may break your back trying to move it if, like me, you have zero upper body strength.

Scan Resolution:

• 600 DPI.
• Great text document scans and decent image scans. It’ll for sure get the job done.

Speed:

• 90 PPM.
• HOLY CATS. Better check your socks, because I think they have been blown off. This is ridiculously fast.
• The DR-9080C is an animal.

Media:

• Minimum scan size of 2.2 in. x 2.8 in.
• Maximum scan size of 12 in. x 39.4 in.
• Basically, all paper things are scan-able. You even have the option of doing an exceptionally long scan.

Other Features:

• Automatic document feeder (ADF) with 500 pg. capacity.
• Ultrasonic double-feed detection, which helps to avoid paper jams and keeps your scans running smoothly.
• Staple detection, which, again, helps prevent paper jams and keeps those scans a-comin’.
• Canon Multistream technology. It’s able to support simultaneous output of color, black-and-white, gray-scale, or color dropout images for a unique level of flexibility.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

To be blunt, the Canon DR-9080C is amazing. It hits high marks on basically everything you could want in a scanner for your office.

• THE SPEED. Probably its biggest high point is just how fast this scanner is. It blows its competitors out of the water in this respect. For many businesses, the speed of a scanner is a huge selling (or not) point. There will be no lines at the scanner if the DR-9080C is in your office.
• The ADF perfectly complements the speed of this scanner. A 500 pg. automatic document feeder means you’ll have a little more than 5 minutes between pressing “scan” and needing to return to the scanner to reload. But really, most people don’t have 500 pages to scan in one sitting, so it’ll be as easy as pressing scan and walking away.
• Scan resolution. Most scanners have to make a trade-off: will they be faster, or will they have a higher quality scan. The DR-9080C, though, has both! It allows you to have great scans in an incredibly short period of time. What more could you want?

Well, there were just a couple minor setbacks for this scanner that made it lose the .5 points. They were:

• Its size. It’s a little bulky. It’s not awful, but definitely not the easiest of machines to move around or store.
• It has limitations because it’s not a flatbed scanner. Granted, many businesses don’t absolutely need a flatbed scanner, but it’s a nice option to have.

Obviously these two points are incredibly small, and overall the Canon DR-9080C is a fast, high-quality scanner that would rock your office’s world. Unless you have a teeny tiny office or you’re constantly scanning 3D objects, you can’t find a better scanner than this one. If you’re looking for one, they’re sold on Ebay and ScannerParts.Biz!