Effective scanner.
Written: Feb 14 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Generally easy to use and reliable, good photo scans.
Cons: Slow operation invoking various software options.
The Bottom Line: Good scanner. It will do what you want it to. A little slow at times; but nonetheless effective.
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| jwilkers's Full Review: Hewlett Packard Scanjet 3970 Flatbed Scanner |
I received this scanner as a gift from my wife. We needed something to copy papers, scan pictures, etc.
Installation of the scanner was easy. A quick install sheet is included to walk you through. It basically involves inserting the CD, and letting it do its thing, then plugging in the scanner.
This scanner is USB only and will work with either USB 1 or USB 2, although it always nags you to use USB 2.
This scanner has a "transparent materials adaptor (TMA) to scan negative and slides.
Operation:
The scanner can be operated from the front panel, the included software or other applications that are TWAIN-compliant.
Front panel buttons allow to scan, copy, share to web and email, and scan to a CD. The front panel buttons actually open additional software to perform these functions. The scanner itself has no built in software or firmware to do this. As such, the process of loading and opening the software can be time consuming. For most of my work, I just open the appropriate programs first, and disregard the buttons.
Drawbacks: Scanned documents can come out a bit light. Using the software to darken the copy ends up showing the TMA on the cover through the paper. You would have to put something on top of what you are scanning to prevent the scanner from picking up the TMA through the paper you are scanning.
Pictures:
The TMA is located on the lid of the scanner. It cannot be removed, and allows scanning of slides and negatives. With this, you can make prints. It is handy for digitizing older pictures. Do not expect to take a slide and blow it up to an 8 by 10 picture. It isn't that good. Making normal size 5X7" prints works okay though. I have done some enlargements from prints with success. I only feel comfortable going "one size up" however. All my picture copies come out perfect.
One word of caution: Before making any photo copies, make sure the scanner glass is perfectly clean. One piece of dust or lint could ruin a picture. It is very sensitive scanning photos.
Making CDs and sharing photos:
I have not used this option. I can do just as effective a job using my pre existing software. These options are there if you need them, I guess.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 90
Interface: USB
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Epinions.com ID:
jwilkers
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Member: John Wilkerson
Location: Worthington, OH
Reviews written: 59
Trusted by: 0 members
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