Scanning Devices > Mac-compatible scanners

...scanners work with Mac computers.

The standard OS for corporate use is some version of Windows. That has been the case for a long time. Windows has also been the standard for home use. But, this is changing.

As the Microsoft User Frustration team, under the direction of Darth Ballmer, continues to find new ways to drive people nuts and make computer use ever less productive, more people are turning to the Mac. The botch-job known as "Windows 7" resulted in a huge switchover, and Windows 8 is shaping up nicely for further increasing Apple's user base.

A couple of problems immediately confront those who make the switch. One is that there are far more applications written for Windows. The other is that many models of devices such as scanners simply don't work with a Mac. That's why we offer these Mac-compatible scanners.

The typical full page portable or mobile scanner has these features:

• Lightweight and compact (as compact as the need to be able to scan a page permits).
• Easy setup and use.
• Some kind of software for editing or other purposes.
• Image adjustment controls.
• Handsome styling (not the old bulky plastic-looking gizmos of yesteryear).
• USB connectivity (pretty standard today), or even wireless.

What about form factor?

• Full page portable scanners typically are feed-through and roughly the size and shape of a full-page paper punch.
• Full page mobile scanners typically are wand-shaped, and instead of feeding paper through them you move the scanner across the page.

The typical flatbed scanner has these features:

• Fast scanning.
• Easy setup and use.
• Some kind of software for editing or other purposes.
• Image adjustment controls.
• Very high optical resolution, even higher interpolated resolution.
• 16-bit gray, 24-bit color. (Note that it is much higher for some scanners and lower for others; for most situations, 8g/16c isample).
• Some kind of touch button operation.
• Handsome styling (not the old beige boxes of yesteryear).
• USB connectivity (pretty standard today).

Flatbed scanners typically are one of two sizes:

1. Letter size. The active scanning area accomodates standard-sized paper (8.5x11 or a little larger), and the body of the scanner fits around that. So these vary from around 10Wx14L to 14Wx16L and the height will be a few inches.
2. Legal size. The active scanning area accomodates legal-sized paper (11x17 or a little larger), and the body of the scanner fits around that. So these vary from around 12Wx18L to 18Wx22L and the height will be a few inches.

The typical portable or mobile full-page scanner comes with a charger, software, and user manuals. Don't be intimidated by the manuals, there really isn't that much involved in using a scanner.

Desktop scanning is easy, but a few tips will help you do a better job.

1. As a scanning aid, keep a small flat object near your scanner. An old CD, for example. Where a paper starts to curl, place this object on that paper before closing the scanner cover. This prevents things from moving around or being bent backwards. You can also keep an old flat ruler around for this purpose.
2. Never have the lid up when you scan; that scatters light everywhere and reduces the sharpness of the scan.
3. When saving the scan, remember that you are saving a file. This is not any different from saving a paper file in a folder, except you're saving it electronically. So save to a smartly named folder and give it a meaningful filename. For example, Finance/BankStatements/2012/Statement2012-01-28. Don't use spaces in folder or filenames.
4. Clean the scanning glass occassionally. Just a plain facial tissue (not one that has lotion in it) works well. Don't use harsh cleaners. Usually, just breathing on the glass and wiping right away is sufficient.

Mobile/portable scanning is easy, but a few tips will help you do a better job.

1. If using a mobile full-page scanner, move your hand at a slow and steady speed. It helps to keep your wrist straight and just swing across the page with your arm. You can choose to "swipe down" if the paper is oriented in the normal reading position, but you may find it easier to turn the paper 90 degrees and swipe across (for example, you are right-handed so you turn the paper so its top is to your right then you swipe from right to left in s smooth motion).
2. If a paper starts to curl, roll it up in the direction opposite the curl then unroll it. You can also try dragging it gently across the edge of a desktop (just don't crease it).
3. If it's an important document, "frame" it the way photographers frame an important shot. But instead of adjusting the shutter speed, adjust your scanning speed. Do the first scan at your normal speed, then do one very slowly, then do one a bit slower than normal.
4. When saving the scan to your workstation, remember that you are saving a file. This is not any different from saving a paper file in a folder, except you're saving it electronically. So save to a smartly named folder and give it a meaningful filename. For example, Finance/BankStatements/2012/Statement2012-01-28. Don't use spaces in folder or filenames.
5. Keep your scanner away from smoke and dust. These can get on the lens or photoeye.