Type of Flatbed Scanner Dune Winds Travel - Essay Example

Introduction
As an owner, I must procure a good flatbed scanner that can meet the demands of my business.

The Search for the Scanner
Initially, there are brands that we can choose from, namely: CanoScan 8800F, Epson Perfection V500, and HP ScanJet 8270. These models are competitive and their brand name suggests quality and reliability. However, the company needs only to fulfill some basic requirements in choosing a flatbed scanner. Some of the main requirements for buying a scanner are the following:
File Format – can scan jpeg, tiff, Photo, windows, acrobat, PDF, bitmap
Scan Speed – not less than 20ppm
Scan Resolution- not less than 4800 dpi. Enhanced resolution at 99999 dpi
Scan Size – 8.5 x 14”( maximum)
Task Speed – Less than 28 sec for Word; less than 33 sec for photos
Color/Greyscale: 48 bit or higher
Price – (value for money)

All of the scanners have no warm-up time which means faster scanning. The three scanners also have the same connectivity ( USB 2.0 ) and minimum48 bit color. Among the group, the Epson Perfection has the best scan resolution although the HP ScanJet 8270 has the fastest scan speed. However, price is also a consideration in any organization since it translates to cost.

The selection process is usually done in the following steps:
1. Purchasing Department will canvass the price and specifications
2. Report is generated to compare/contrast models
3. Owner makes a decision

Final Recommendation
Among the three products, the one that I would highly recommend is the Epson Perfection V500 for three good reasons: affordability, quality, and speed. The Comparison Index has shown the specifications of the scanners and the Epson can meet the requirements of the company. Although the maximum size is limited to 11.4, there is still a possibility for enlargements. It is not as fast as the HP ScanJet 8270 but it can deliver quality and fast scan that is crucial to the operations. In addition to this, the Epson Perfection V500 was chosen by PC Magazine as “Top Pick for Black Friday” in 2007.

According to Stone’s review ( 2007):
Like almost any flatbed scanner, the V500 can handle all-purpose scanning, but it's focused on photos. This makes it most appropriate for anyone (short of a professional photographer) who needs to scan a backlog of prints and film (including slides) to digital format. ( pcmag.com, 2007)

Thus, aside from the technical specifications, the reviews about this product can guarantee us that users are satisfied with its performance. It is highly recommended to immediately purchase this scanner and distribute it to each agent since the travel agency would benefit from the satisfaction derived from customers once they see tin color the prospective places they want to visit.