Comments on: Is there a scanner that can scan sketchbook pages without ripping them out?

Question: Is there a scanner that can scan sketchbook pages without ripping them out?

eileen — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 08:25:46 -0800

Searching for a specific type of book scanner....maybe it only exists in my imagination, but I would like to scan sketchbook pages without ripping them out...{mi}

Basically I'm looking for something portable...so smaller than a big "flatbed scanner" ...but the "portable" scanners where you feed a sheet in will not work either. What I'm imagining is something you can place on top of a sketchbook page...almost like a mini version of the lid of a copy machine. 5x7 or 8x10 would be ideal. I've searched everywhere for "book scanners" and "portable scanners" and not found anything. Any help would be appreciated! Maybe I just don't know what they might be called. Thank you :)

By: bcwinters

bcwinters — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 09:29:40 -0800

I'm prettty sure this exists only in your imagination. Maybe someone else will come along and prove me wrong, though!

However, Canon does make flatbed scanners that are roughly the same size as a laptop computer (and actually weigh less); you could conceivably carry one of those around fairly discreetly. You can also try searching on "handheld scanner"--the ones you drag down a page. They're kind of outdated but readily available on eBay, and if you have a steady hand with a pencil you might also have enough coordination to use one well.

Also, Khoi Vinh recommends making your own sketchbooks with a looseleaf-style system, which wouldn't solve your current problem but would make future scanning much easier.

By: kindall

kindall — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 10:42:04 -0800

I suggest a digital camera. Since I got mine, I don't even use my scanner anymore. With a little setup, they work great for capturing sketches and the like.

By: Smart Dalek

Smart Dalek — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 10:44:55 -0800

In an earlier AskMe thread, I mentioned the Hp CapShare 920 handheld copier. It might be close to what you're looking for.

By: me3dia

me3dia — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 11:36:24 -0800

A friend of mine has been scanning artwork with this HP see-through scanner. The screen is 8"x11.7". I've seen it at Best Buy, so it shouldn't be too hard to find, and it's cheap.

By: felix

felix — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 14:42:02 -0800

They used to make scanners to do exactly what you want. Weirdly, they don't seem to do it any more. But, you can find some of the old ones on ebay...if you have a computer with the right bus/ports stilll.

By: O9scar

O9scar — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 15:23:25 -0800

There's this scanner, which allows itself to be tucked close to the spine of an open book. $300 is a bit steep, if you ask me.

And there is a modern version of those old handheld scanners.

The device you really want is still in the prototype phase.

By: duck

duck — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 21:39:51 -0800

I would think maybe a scanner designed for the blind? (like the kind that's used to scan books in and put them through OCR software). I'm not sure whether or not these can be used for pictures, but it's worth checking out, especially if you or someone you know has the skills to tweak with the software.

By: eileen

eileen — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 07:06:26 -0800

Excellent suggestions. It's good to confirm that the exact thing I want does not in fact exist, so I don't drive myself bonkers searching for it ;)...I'll be looking at all these options now. Thanks!