Just about everything about the ScanFront 220P is impressive. Although it's not a flatbed device, it's easy to configure for routine document scanning tasks.

Compact size, Intuitive touch-screen, Excellent ease of use, Excellent network support, Fast

Sheetfed rather than flatbed, Requires some configuration for best operation, No long sheet support, Requires a little setup for best operation

Just about everything about the ScanFront 220P is impressive. Although it's not a flatbed device, it's easy to configure for routine document scanning tasks...

The Scanjet N8640 is fast and flexible enough to handle a variety of documents and comes with a very capable software bundle. However, the system as a whole would benefit from a usability makeover.

High-capacity document feeder, High-speed scanning, Duplex scanning, Excellent software bundle, Barcode scanning, Oversize flatbed

No network connectivity (relies on a connected PC), Large desktop footprint, Heavy, Control panel lacks usability

The Scanjet N8640 is fast and flexible enough to handle a variety of documents and comes with a very capable software bundle. However, the system as a whole would benefit from a usability makeover...

This compact and lightweight colour scanner could prove useful to mobile professionals who need to digitise paper documents on their travels, although it only scans to PDF and doesn't run on batteries.

Excellent build quality, Double-sided multi-sheet feeding, 10-sheet ADF, Runs off AC adapter or USB connection

Can't run on batteries, No internal memory, Scans to PDF only

The IRISPen Executive 6 has limited functionality compared to a regular desktop scanner (or even a sheetfed scanner); but whatdoes do, it does very well.

Good scan quality, Supports barcodes, Recognises CMC 7 banking font, Reads text on coloured backgrounds

Produces black-and-white scans only, No built-in memory or wireless connectivity

The HP Scanjet G4050 is a solid dual-lamp scanner that could use a driver overhaul and a better means of handling slides.

Excellent scans, especially of very saturated originals, Very nice industrial design

Only supports sRGB colour space, Random colour registration problems on slide scans, Weak driver, Many operations are very slow

The HP Scanjet G4050 is a solid scanner that could use a driver overhaul and a better means of handling slides...

The Epson Perfection 3170 Photo scans like a champ -- and it's reasonably affordable, too.

Produces high-quality scans, Easy to install, Comes with adapters for slides and 35mm or medium-format film, Nice price, Lets you save scanning presets

Annoying software package, No manual, Scans slowly at highest optical resolution

The Epson Perfection 3170 Photo scans like a champ -- and it's reasonably affordable, too...

Want to turn a stack of business cards into a well-connected contacts database? Corex's CardScan Executive 600cx is an ideal - if somewhat pricey - solution.

Fast and quiet in operation, synchronises with a range of contact managers, PIMs and handhelds

Relatively expensive, no Mac version

If you need to scan lots of photos and negatives -- and you have plenty of desktop space -- the Scanjet 5530 is a good choice.

7.1 audio channel support, 24-bit/96KHz output, Dolby Digital EX 6.1 decoding, Easily portable, Includes IR remote, Excellent input device for all graphics work, Mouse is better than most ordinary mice, Excellent styling, Scans stacks of photos ...

Requires driver update for maximum output quality, Takes up lots of desktop area, No soft buttons, Relatively expensive, Huge footprint, Unintuitive setup, Exceedingly slow translucent scans

If you need to scan lots of photos and negatives -- and you have plenty of desktop space -- the Scanjet 5530 is a good choice...

Nokia's slimline Digital Pen does everything expected of it and more, offering both Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Compact compared to other digital pens, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Animated desktop playback

USB download requires a brief Internet disconnection, Basic software, Pen cannot currently pair with a desktop Bluetooth dongle

Nokia's slimline Digital Pen does everything expected of it and more, offering both Bluetooth and USB connectivity...

If you're not after a stylish scanner and you need to save some cash, HP's Scanjet 3670 is a good choice.

Affordable, Simple setup, Includes practical software, Produces clean scans

Boxy, dated design

If you're not after a stylish scanner and you need to save some cash, HP's Scanjet 3670 is a good choice...