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HP ScanJet 5200C USB Color
Scanner Review
(5200C, 5200Cse, 5200Cxi)
Last updated: 07/29/03
 I
frequently use a scanner to scan images and documents for Web sites. The
Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 5200C provides just about the right combination of
cost, quality, features, and speed for this function. It is a step
above, and about $100-150 more than low-end scanners primarily designed
for the occasional home or office user and well below high-end scanners you
will find in ad agencies.
SUMMARY. I finally found a scanner that I
would consider purchasing to replace my trusty HP-4P: this one. That
is, if the 4P were to break beyond economical repair.
Hardware quality is a major consideration when I buy any
computer product. This scanner is heftier than the low-end scanners
I've seen, but the plastic does not seem to be quite a tough as my 4P. Overall,
I think will provide good since for many years.
Resolution is not that big a deal for Web graphics which
are 96 (not 9,600) dots per inch (DPI) in most cases. The 5200C can scan
at 600X1200 DPI, mechanically, and 9,600 DPI, enhanced. The output quality
of the 5200C is very good and, using automatic settings, it is more than
sufficient for any Web site work I do and does the job in my store for scanning
most anything else I would need for myself or customers.
Speed is important if you do lot of Web site work or a
lot of any kind of scanning. And speed is what sets this scanner apart
from HP scanners at the low-end and all scanners using a parallel printer
interface. Although, for example, the HP 4100C also has a Universal
Serial Bus ( USB) interface; 5200C is noticeably faster. HP's PrecisionScan
software with its one step scanning, optical character recognition (OCR),
and automatic production of documents containing both text and optimized
graphics, can be a real time-save.
INCLUDED. The scanner comes packed in sturdy,
well-organized box which includes:
- A setup - configuration poster.
- Parallel and USB cables
- Power cable
- Ferrite clip which clamps onto the power cable to reduce
RF emissions
- CD with drivers, software, and documentation
There was no hardcopy User Manual.
Next - Software >
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