Scanning pictures -- help!

[naiyahayal]

OK, I know how ridiculous this sounds, but I don't have a clue about scanning -- I feel like I'd better get some pictures up or I won't have any credibility here , but I only very recently got a digital camera, so a lot of my pictures would need to be scanned -- I have a laptop, and I don't have a clue what to buy -- I've heard of "flatbed" scanners -- is that what I need, and then plug it into the laptop, or??? (I'm such a dinosaur, I probably have something built into the laptop, but it was from Home Shopping & didn't come with a manual (lesson, I know, big time...) If anyone can guide me in the right direction, I would very much appreciate your taking the time..thanks!
(it's okay, you can laugh at the dinosaur)

[Ainsley]

Most scanners they sell these days are flatbeds: you lay the photo down on top of the glass and close the cover to scan, like a photocopier. You can probably still get handheld scanners, which are more portable, but those are just a unit that you drag over the photo by hand, so usually the scan quality is lower. Scanners aren't normally built in features on computers (not yet, anyway! ).

I have a laptop (though, for the most part, I use it like a stationary PC), and I have a three-in-one printer, scanner, photocopier. I just plug it into one of the laptop's USB ports to scan to a file, or I can use the printer by itself to copy a picture in colour or black and white. The three-in-ones are very convenient -- and take up less desk space than would several separate units -- but, if you already have a good printer, a three-in-one may be more than you need.

As for brands, I'm sure someone else could give you better information than I can. I have an Epson, which I'm pretty much happy with, but Lexmark has a good reputation, too.

[naiyahayal]

Thanks, Ainsley! That's how I use my laptop, too (medical transcriptionist). Well, guess what -- I looked over at my old fax machine after reading your post, and it says "3-in-one fax/copier/scanner." I've had it for over eight years, finally unplugged it because it stopped working, and never knew it had a scanner in it. Can you believe it? Believe it.....I am an idiot ... this goes way beyond dinosaurish......I'm going to try to revive it -- if not, I'll use your advice & get a flatbed at Office Max. (I assume they look like a flat bed??) thanks for taking the time....

[phillyraqs]

If your scanner doesn't work, also look into camera shops in your area. Many of them will take your photos, scan them, and return the originals as well as the scanned photos on a CD for you for a reasonable fee.

[Lauren_]

Originally Posted by phillyraqs

If your scanner doesn't work, also look into camera shops in your area. Many of them will take your photos, scan them, and return the originals as well as the scanned photos on a CD for you for a reasonable fee.

That's what I was thinking, too. Since you have a digital camera now, you might not want to spend the bucks on a scanner, and the cables to connect it, and then have it gathering dust after you've scanned the handful of pictures you want.

You could probably have HUNDREDS of photos scanned at a camera shop for less money. (I think...)

Of course, if the scanner you have now works, that's great.

[naiyahayal]

Thanks for the help, ladies -- wish I had joined Bhuz years ago! Yeah, hundreds......technology -- can't live with it, can't live without it......

[shahravar]

Most super cheap printers have a scanner in them. I know all 3 of ours do. p.s. Epson sux(for printing not scanning reasons)
Once your software is installed and your computer is plugged in all you have to do is hit scan and save to file __ as a __ document or .jpg.

[Lesgemini_Zafirah]

Originally Posted by phillyraqs

If your scanner doesn't work, also look into camera shops in your area. Many of them will take your photos, scan them, and return the originals as well as the scanned photos on a CD for you for a reasonable fee.

I agree w/Phillyraqs and Lauren. OK--here comes a shameless plug of my employer (I'm a paralegal for Corp.): When ordering your pix (I'm assuming from your digital cam's memory card?), just add a CD to your order for an additional $2 or $3 at WALGREENS

Hugs-N-Shimmies, Zafirah

[naiyahayal]

Originally Posted by Lesgemini_Zafirah

I agree w/Phillyraqs and Lauren. OK--here comes a shameless plug of my employer (I'm a paralegal for Corp.): When ordering your pix (I'm assuming from your digital cam's memory card?), just add a CD to your order for an additional $2 or $3 at WALGREENS

Hugs-N-Shimmies, Zafirah

Really? It's that easy? Who knew .......... thanks!