My latest geek toy: Automatic Document Feeder Scanner for $120
I've resisted buying a scanner without an automatic document feeder because I knew that I'd never use it enough. Open the lid, press a button, wait a while. Repeat. Forget it. Not going to happen.
Four or five years ago I came across one from HP for $550. Nice but too pricey.
Went looking again a few weeks ago. Saw one for $300. Nah, let's keep looking. Came across a Brother multi function device DCP-540CN USB Printer which had a ink jet printer built in for $120. And a 10 page automatic document feeder. Aha says I.
(When the ink cartridge goes dry I won't bother replacing them. I have a HP colour duplex laser printer. But in the meantime I'll use the Brother printer as my default printer to get what I can out of the inkjets.)
Painless. I just put in five or ten sheets in the ADF, pressed the colour button and a minute or two later the software opened up a scans folder directory with a PDF file in it. I think that's set for 300 dpi which is excessive. A few days ago I had three sheets in B&W so I hit the B&W button and same thing but at 100 dpi.
And this thing comes with a network port which I've since setup. Now when I hit the scan button on the scanner I can see the device name of my laptop.
The software is also quite easy to use. There are four setup scan buttons in the software. You can also create four of your own scan buttons.
So now I can carry my important documents with me. Hmm, yup, better scan in my passport and drivers license. I'm also the membership person for a province wide non profit hobby group. Now when I have meetings or public events I have all the scanned in renewal forms right on the laptop.