If You Have to Purchase a Scanner Make it the HP ScanJet 4670
Written: Nov 18 '03
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Pros: The cool factor, functionality, performance, ease of use
Cons: Pricey, mediocre software
The Bottom Line: An excellent scanner for those who want more than the typical scanner box. A very sexy machine.
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| hwz1's Full Review: Hewlett Packard Scanjet 4670 Flatbed Scanner |
Is it me or are scanners kind of out of fashion? They seem to have served their purpose and now we have so many other technological options available to us that you just do not often see a scanner these days. However, there are those like me, who need to have one for our jobs.
I went with the HP ScanJet 4670 for a few reasons, not the least of which was an enticing price. However, as you read on you will see some of the other reasons.
THE SPECIFICATIONS:
* Scan resolution 2400 x 2400 dpi
* 256 levels of grayscale
* Maximum scan size of 8.5 x 11.7
* Compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, 2000
Professional, Me, XP Professional or XP Home Edition,
Mac OS 9.1 or higher, OS X 10.1.5 or 10.2 or higher.
* Size 16.26 x 11.73 x 0.75 inches
* Weight 3.04 pounds
* 48 bit depth
* Adapter to scan 35mm slides and negatives
WHAT I LIKE:
1. The coolness factor. We have gone thin screen and small with most everything except for scanners. No longer is this the case. The 4670 is a sexy looking piece of equipment and it works well to boot.
2. The price was much more reasonable than what I expected. I figured I was looking at $250 or more. Not a chance. The 4670 came in at around $190. Not bad for a piece of equipment that is so stylish and works so well. As I cover below, it is not the cheapest- you pay for the design features.
3. The cutting edge design will attract "what is this questions". Ok, picture this: The 4670 splits open like a book stand and then you drop the piece you want to scan between the two ends. The device stands at a 45 degree angle and is not much bigger than a normal size dictionary. It also allows you to see what is being scanned as the covers are clear. Truly cutting edge.
4. Adaptability. You may ask how you can scan something that is too thick to fit between the "bookends". The 4670 can be laid on it's ends and the thick article or book can be scanned much like you would lay it on a copier. This is a nice touch as it saves you the trip to the copier to make a copy and then scan the copied object.
5. The 4670 could not be easier to use and has a simple way to get scanned items to your PC. Just pressing two buttons will send whatever you have scanned to either your printer, or to the free online photo album that is located at hpphoto.com. The most difficult thing about using the 4670 is getting familiar and comfortable with the new design.
6. Functionality. The 4670 does what it is supposed in a quick and quiet manner. Any scanning I do can be done effortlessly and that is what I would expect from a scanner.
7. Performance. Ok, we are all concerned about the bottom line and in this case that involves how the scanned object looks after scanning. The 4670 produces perfectly legible scans of everything I have scanned with the exception of an occasionally difficult to read newspaper scan. I have not tried too many photos or pictures, but those that have been scanned from pieces that include text have come out beautifully.
WHAT I DO NOT LIKE:
1. I am just not quite sure the 4670 is going to be the most lasting pieces of equipment. It feels and looks solid enough, but then I wonder if it can maintain it's form while at a 45 degree angle all the time. Sure you can sit it on the thicker ends, but that destroys the sex appeal. I hope I am wrong.
2. The software package is mediocre. While HP provides a great deal of different software programs, they all have errors. For instance, the Instant Share feature allows you to share photos, but will not allow you to crop them. In this day and age, cropping is too simple of a task to not have included.
3. The price. The 4670 is not the cheapest in this class of scanner. While I mentioned that I like the price above, I must also say that it is around $40 more than comparable scanners. I am fine with that because of the sexy design, but would not have hesitated for even second if it was $40 cheaper.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
If you are in the market for a scanner I would suggest the HP ScanJet 4670 if you have the extra cash to spare. While it is not without flaws, it is the sexiest machine around and it does do a good job. If you are looking for nothing more than pure functionality, I would look elsewhere. I am pleased with my purchase and do not hesitate in recommending the 4670.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 190.00
Interface: USB
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hwz1
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Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 845
Trusted by: 924 members
About Me:
Just got a big promotion that will move my new wife and I to Atlanta.
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