"Flat" scanner recommendation?

[JL]

Can anyone kindly help me?

Almost all scanners that I've seen have a "lip" around the glass, and
so you can't lay a item that's larger than the scanner completely flat
on the glass. I've been considering the HP 4600/4670 but I have seen
some very bad reviews of these models - are there some other
alternatives?

Thanks,

JL

 

[Terry]

I have a HP 4600, bought it at Staples for $29.00, it doesn't have a
lip around it if you don't use the base. It's really neet that you can
use the scan head without the base. The Scanner is unusal because the
item you are scanning is placed upright so you can see the alingnment
of the item. I have several scanners made by Canon and Epson and they
all serve a specific purpose. I haven't had any problems with the HP
even though I read that some people are having problems with it. I use
it to scan books, OCR and making PDF. I don't use it to scan pictures,
thats what I use the Epsons and Canons for.

 

[JL]

Thanks, Terry - I'm glad that it works for you. I really only want
one scanner, mainly for pictures and record labels/sleeves. I've
heard that the 4600 has terrible banding problems and - also because it
costs around $170-200 here in the UK - I'd like to find another option.

Any other recommendations?

JL

 

[CSM1]

Thanks, Terry - I'm glad that it works for you. I really only want
one scanner, mainly for pictures and record labels/sleeves. I've
heard that the 4600 has terrible banding problems and - also because it
costs around $170-200 here in the UK - I'd like to find another option.

Any other recommendations?

JL

For record album covers, the only scanners that will not crop the image are
too costly.
The record album covers that I have are around 12 1/4" to 12 1/2" square.
(31.75 cm X 31.75 cm). Too large for an A4 scanner.

The best way for record album covers is to use a digital camera and copy
stand or easel.
Example of record Album cover photography:
http://www.carlmcmillan.com/how_to_copy_with_digital_camera.htm

In the above example I used a cheap music stand, but a display easel or a
copy stand is far better.
I was trying to find a low cost method of making a CD insert for record
albums.

 

[Terry]

HP has discontinued the 4600 model and they are dumping it here in the
states. I bought mine for $29.00, You might want to check some of the
e-tailers in the UK, they might have the same type of deal on the 4600.

 

[cdbooks]

You may want to look at PlusTek OpticBook 3600. It has a specially
designed lamp which can illuminate the object right up to the edge of
the glass cover. Special design for scanning books. Around $300.
b.