At some point in the future, I'd like to follow the recommendations of some various sites I've seen online and scan most of my paper archives to PDF. It looks like this would be the best solution (I'm a Mac user) – or, at least, that's the device I've seen recommended a few million times. However, I really can't see having the discretionary $417+ to purchase this device, not for a very, very long time. Does anyone offer this device for rental? (I live in Chicago.) Is there a RipDigital equivalent for this kind of thing (a very long time ago, they did the initial move of my music from CDs to MP3s)? Are there cheaper alternatives that are just as good?
posted by WCityMike on Nov 21, 2009 - 9 answers

I'm looking for some kind of scanner software that will automatically scan every X seconds/minutes so I can easily scan in notes for my class. Preferably free.
posted by gzimmer on Nov 16, 2009 - 5 answers

How can I reduce the file size of a scanned document in Windows XP? [more inside]
posted by MrMulan on Oct 30, 2009 - 8 answers

Looking for a scanner program that will allow me to set a custom size to scan and remember it for multiple scans. [more inside]
posted by tdreyer on Sep 20, 2009 - 4 answers

Recommend a large format scanner. [more inside]
posted by cmoj on Jun 19, 2009 - 19 answers

My current scanner is causing banding and discoloration, and I need recommendations on finding a new scanner that suits my needs or help getting my old one to work right again. [more inside]
posted by shirobara on Feb 20, 2009 - 4 answers

Is there a print or copy shop in Chicago with a scanner with an automatic document feeder? [more inside]
posted by enn on Dec 8, 2008 - 7 answers

I would like to go completely paperless. In order to accomplish this, I'll need an excellent bulk-feed scanner to turn all of my received bills and other important pieces of paper into searchable PDFs. Which scanners should I consider? [more inside]
posted by killdevil on May 1, 2008 - 16 answers

I would like to be able to scan in the bar codes on all the comics of my collection into a software that will track and allow me to manage my collection. Scanning being the main requirement. [more inside]
posted by Jonsnews on Jan 31, 2008 - 10 answers

Can you recommend any Windows software which will OCR photographed business cards, store them in a searchable database and work with Outlook? [more inside]
posted by mr_silver on Nov 2, 2007 - 5 answers

Looking for a scanner to process hundreds (or more) of 35mm slides as automatically as possible - at decent quality, for a decent price. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by prophetsearcher on Apr 20, 2007 - 10 answers

I care enough about getting all my physical media into digital form that I'm ready to hand-scan my remaining books where necessary. Before I do this, what are all the ways I should search to be sure a given book doesn't exist as an ebook I could buy (or in any other digital form)? Also: any hints for efficiently doing the scanning & OCR?
posted by allterrainbrain on Sep 17, 2006 - 10 answers

Filmscanner 101. Is there any advantage to setting the *input* resolution for scans intended for monitor display to anything greater than 72dpi? The default input resolutions on my scanner vary with the dimensions selected for the output file. Bigger output files require higher input resolutions (from 704dpi to 1759dpi). As everything will be displayed at 72dpi, why not *scan* everything at 72dpi? It all looks the same to me on my screen.
posted by carter on Jan 8, 2005 - 8 answers

Has someone come up with a tool for removing notebook lines from scanned documents? [more inside]
posted by Hildago on Apr 8, 2004 - 24 answers