Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Conclusions and Recommendations
Canoscan 5000F
HP ScanJet 5550c
Microtek Scanmaker
6800

Epson Perfection 3200
Works Cited

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HP SCANJET 5550C

In this section I will discuss the features of the HP ScanJet 5550c (see Figure 3).

FIGURE 3

HP ScanJet 5550c

Image Source: (www.hp.com)

Features include:

  • 35-page automatic document feeder
  • Resolution: up to 2400x2400 dpi
  • Max document size of 8.5” x 14”
  • Interface: USB Hi-Speed
  • Software: HP imaging software, HP memories disc creator software, HP ScanJet copy utility, HP share-to-web software, ScanSoft PaperPort LE, IRIS CardIRIS
  • 7 easy buttons: scan, copy, email, share-to-web, save document to disc, copy quantity, print color/black and white, power save, and cancel
  • Estimated street price: $300

One of the unique features about this scanner is it has the ability to scan legal size documents. Another feature is its Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 35 pages. It does not come with a transparency adapter for scanning film, though one can be purchased for an additional $79.

Jantz says “…the main reason to choose the 5550c is to get its multipage document scanning” (“HP”) and that it accomplishes the scanning rather well, however he was much less impressed with the quality of the scans. In the print and on screen tests, the images were acceptable overall, sharp and bright, however some colors appeared over saturated and inaccurate. Jantz also says “…the 5550c's monochrome scans seemed to drop more details (in darker areas, for instance) than scans from competing models did” (“HP”). These imperfections could be fixed with imaging software. It was given 3 ½ stars out of 5. See Table 3 on the next page for the results of the scan test.


TABLE 3

HP ScanJet 5550c PC World Scan Test Results

Scan quality (color/monochrome)

Good/Very Good

Performance

Very Good

 

Average 1200-dpi color scan speed

35 seconds per document

 

Average 300-dpi monochrome scan speed

19 seconds per document

Overall ease of use

Very Good

 

Installation

Outstanding

 

Design

Outstanding

 

Documentation

Very Good


 
   
Copyright © 1996-2005 Jennifer Haynes