MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I have six archive boxes I want to scan to pdf using a Windows XP computer as the eventual storage.
I know I could get a copy shop or similar to do it but I have had a quote to do this and it is not worth that much to me.
So my plan is to buy a document scanner and do it over a few months and then sell the document scanner. This way I can group the paperwork into logical files and save money. On completion I will resell the scanner.
Trouble is I don't know what a good scanner is. My requirements are pretty simple:
1. It should produce pdf files, resolution not critical, colour ideally but B&W fine.
2. It should connect via USB to a Windows XP computer
3. It should be able to duplex from A4 sheets
4. It should have a multi sheet feeder so I can leave it working for 10 - 20 minutes at a time.
5. It should be able to cope as best as can be hoped with non-perfect pieces of paper or at least be simple to unjam!
4. Resale value should be as close to purchase value as possible after 2 months.
Does anyone know about these? I don't really mind how much I spend up to say £300 as I will be reselling and hopefully recouping most of my money.
I have spotted these on Ebay - any recommendations?
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110811557796?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1413 ]Scanner 1[/url]
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300652628650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_708wt_1398 ]Scanner 2[/url]
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220936555290?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_748wt_907 ]Scanner 3[/url]
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370573769117?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_3469wt_1398 ]Scanner 4[/url]
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370573769117?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_3469wt_1398 ]Scanner 5[/url]
I've worked a bit with scanners but some time ago so IMHO:
The Fujitsu looks rubbish, poor paper path and no mention of duplex anyway.
HP could be good. Canon OK. Refurb is a bit worrying, ex bussiness so chance they've had heavy use.
Paper feeding the main issue especially with your 'non-perfect pieces'.
Stacking a load of odd sheets together doesn't work very well.
Unjammings OK but tends to rip the paper or it all gets folded up.
Think PDF would be standard but check for your self.
B&W means much smaller file size and I think faster scan time too.
You may live to regret this!
You may live to regret this!
I think there is a good chance you are right however if I don't give it a go I will either have to move this round a number more times or cash out an amount that is disproportionate to the value of the paperwork!
Thanks for the advice on the scanners.
OK, this is my business and, disregarding all the sales talk, it is quite likely you'll live to regret doing it yourself for the following reasons:
1) cheap scanners have crap paper handling and will continuously double feed - this will drive you crazy and you'll want to smash the scanner to pieces within 30 mins. oActually chances are there will be no double feed detection system so you stand a good chance of losing pages.
Our scanners cost £20k each and the reason for that is that they can do the job properly without messing up or losing your documents.
2) Speed. Cheap scanners are very slow
3) You don't mention software. It's unlikely any scanner is going to come with software and there is none available free of charge to do what you want. I pay about £6k/licence for our software!
I'll do you a deal. Each box will contain about 2,000 sheets if it's full. If you prepare the files (so remove all the staples/paperclips and unfold anything that's folded - you'd have to do that anyway), I'll scan them for you @ £20/1000 images.
This will include either black & white or full colour scanning @ 200dpi and returned to you on CD as fully searchable PDF files. Scanning will be done in duplex with blank pages removed and images correctly rotated.
Unless you want the originals back, I'll throw in secure shredding.
Email in profile.
Sharkbait,
Thanks for your response and offer. I think you are probably right. I will get the stuff out of the loft and work out quite how much I have and how much it will cost, I will then be in contact if I decide to go ahead.
I don’t do anything fast as a rule so this could be weeks or months but your advice is valued.
Thanks.
No worries mate 🙂
That fujitsu is an expensive scanner but a little old now. We've got a few of the 5120c's here ( circa £400 IIRC ) and they're good workhorses. Quick google on 4120c gave me 25ppm duplex colour scan so as long as you can get a driver it could be a good buy.
Scanning's still a boring PITA job though, get someone else to do it unless you've got a continuous pile building.