Document scanners come in many shapes and sizes, and HP's Scanjet N8460 is one of the largest and strangest-looking desktop models we've seen.

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 and comes with a very capable software bundle. However, the system as a whole would benefit from a usability makeover.

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.

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

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

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

The CanoScan LiDE 80 flatbed scanner is slender and stylish, and it's a cinch to use. Because it's so light and compact, this device can accompany you anywhere you need to scan.

The Scanjet 4670 delivers top-notch scanning performance in a unit that's surprisingly thin. Read our Australian review.

This scanner offers more dots per inch (1200 dpi) than entry-level scanners, and a few more console button to quick-launch functions such as scan-to-web, email and scan-to-printer.

The Acer ScanWit 2720S film scanner gives users the ability to scan slides as well as positive and negative film. The unit comes bundled with a holder for film and for slides, an ACARD PCI SCSI card and a SCSI cable.

Think of the HP Digital Sender 8100C as a fax machine for the e-mail age--or, more simply, an e-mail machine.