The VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner

The VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner is a unique portable scanner.

The Magic Wand Scanner is a bestseller among current scanners and is a great gift for the college student, family genealogist, business traveler, and anyone else who could benefit by scanning anywhere. If you need a portable scanner or know someone else who does, the Vupoint wand scanner may be just the right choice.

Magic Wand Scanner

The Magic Wand functionality makes it a favorite among college students, especially for work on group projects. One member of the group can hit the library and scan needed research, upload it to their computer, then email PDFs to everyone. No costly stacks of printed paper, and no need to meet up to distribute information packets.

One of this portable scanner's biggest bonuses is that it's truly portable. In most cases, even "portable" scanners need to either be connected via power adapter or USB cable to work. The VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner takes just 2 AA batteries, making it easy to toss into a backpack without worrying about where you'll use it. This opens up the Magic Wand Scanner to a whole range of other uses, from scanning phone numbers you might otherwise forget to copying a friend's box of recipes.

Another potential drawback to the VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner is its resolution capabilities. This portable scanner has a normal resolution of 300dpi and a "high" resolution of 600dpi. This is significantly lower than your average document or photo scanner, making it harder to capture high-res images.

Though the VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner is a useful piece of equipment, it probably shouldn't be your only scanner. This portable scanner also makes a great gift for college students, travelers, and anyone else who needs to do basic scanning on the go.

The Magic Wand for Books

The Magic Wand Scanner is the perfect portable book scanner. Take it to the library or the historical society and easily scan any pages you need. Or if you like to scan magazine pages or recipe book pages at home, this scanner is an affordable alternative to purchasing a desktop book scanner.

Now, the quality of the images from a handheld book scanner like the Magic Wand may not be quite good enough for a library archive project, but the image quality should be more than suitable for your everyday person. And using a handheld scanner may do less harm to the fragile bindings of old books than with a flatbed scanner.

If you are shopping for a book scanner, check out some of the feedback from users of this scanner. You will find that many bibliophiles are enjoying the freedom of having a portable book scanner.

Photo Scanners by Epson

When people start looking for a photo scanner they quickly find that many of the top models available are made by Epson.

Having so many options in photo scanners just from Epson makes it easy to compare features across the various models. You can see what you get and what you don't at the different price points. Comparing image scanners across manufacturers often can be a bit more difficult as it can be hard to determine how similar certain features are like image-enhancing technologies.



If you are shopping for the best scanner for photos and are considering a Epson there are a few choices. Here I will list most of the bestselling Epson scanners and try to break down the key differences between models.


FACT: Epson's photo scanner models increase in features and price alongside the model number. So the V800 has more features and a higher price tag than the V300.

Most Popular Epson Models

The Epson V300 is one of the cheaper photo scanners that can still handle film and slides. Compared to pricier Epson models it does not feature Digital ICE and does not come with Adobe Photoshop Elements.

The V330 is very similar to the V300 in features but does include ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch Deluxe software for scanning large items. A good cheap alternative to a larger scanner.

The Epson V550 offers the Digital ICE technology (dust and scratch removal) for film scanning along with a step up in optical resolution over the V300. Photoshop Elements is also included with purchase.

The V600 is very similar to the V550 except it offers Digital ICE for both film and photo scanning. A good medium value photo scanner and a great digital slide converter.

The Epson V800 is a very high quality photo scanner designed more for film and slide scanning. It has a higher optical density rating than the V600 (improved image quality) and can handle 3 times more slides in one run. It can also scan large-format film. Comes with LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast software in addition to Photoshop Elements.

Tips In Choosing The Best Slide Scanner

Deciding which device to purchase from a slide scanner selection can be frustrating considering the fact that there are several brands and models being sold in the market today. There are several factors that you need to consider because slide scanners come in different sizes and shapes. Their features and functions also vary depending on the manufacturer. To help you out in deciding which scanner suits your needs, below are some practical tips you can follow.




1) How will you be using the slide scanner? Keep in mind that scanners are specifically designed and manufactured to be used on 35mm slides and various film negatives. Here's what you need to know - some scanners are better suited for 35mm slides while other models are more appropriate for film negatives. With that said, you should choose a scanner based on where you are going to use it. Additionally, you must keep in mind that there are entry-level scanners and there are high-end scanners. The majority of entry-level scanners can only work on 35mm slides while their high-end counterparts can be used to scan several mounted slides in batches. Obviously, the high-end variants will be more expensive because they can accomplish more in less time.

2) Consider the software that is used to control the scanner. Many slide scanners are plug-and-play devices which mean you can start using them after you've plugged them into your computer. Usually, you will have to install some software so that you can manipulate the scanned photos using your computer. Some scanners enable you to connect the software with third-party applications like Photoshop. On the other hand, some scanners come with their own complete set of editing and storing functions. This means that you can do everything you want with your scanned images using the scanner's built-in software.

3) Consider the quality of the scanned images. This is one of the most important things you must take into account when choosing from a slide scanner selection. You should look at the specs of the scanner with regards to hardware resolution and optical resolution. You must also make comparisons with regards to color depth or bit depth and Dmax (dynamic range). Basically, this is the measurement of the amount of detail that the scanner is capable of recording digitally. If you are not familiar with these terms, you should seek advice from a graphics artist or professional photographer.

4) Only choose scanners manufactured by reputable brands. As we mentioned earlier, there are dozens of slide scanners being sold out there. It's highly recommended that you only buy from well-known manufacturers. Not only do they sell high-quality scanners, they offer quick customer support as well. When it comes to quality, the best slide scanners in the market today include the Wolverine F2D Mighty, the Sharper Image Photo Converter, the Pacific Image ImageBox MF, the Hammacher Schlemmer Superior, and the ION Film 2 SD Plus.

If you follow these simple but practical tips, choosing from a slide scanner selection shouldn't be too difficult. To summarize, you should consider how you are going to use the scanner, the software that comes with the device, the quality of the scanned images, and the brand that manufactures the gadget.

A Basic Guide to Printers

A printer is a peripheral that produces a graphic or a text document stored in electronic form on a physical print media such as paper. They are either black and white or colored. The printers are attached by printer cable, USB (universal serial bus) cable to a computer. Some of the printers have built-in network interfaces. They may be Ethernet based or wireless and can serve as hard copy for any user.


A few modern printers have advanced features; they can be directly interfaced to electronic media like the memory cards and even to image capture devices like scanners and digital cameras. Some of the printers are combined with fax machines or document scanners in a single unit can perform the task of photocopiers. These multifunction printers include scanning, copying and printing among their main features.



Printers are classified according to the printer technology they make use of. Different technologies are capable of various different levels of print speed, cost, text quality and noise. Other aspect of printer technology is resistance to alteration: liquid ink, such as from fabric ribbon or an inkjet, which is absorbed by the paper, so the documents that are printed with ink are more difficult to alter as compared to the documents printed with solid ink or toner as they do not penetrate below the surface of paper.

Modern printing technologies:

1. Toner based printer: laser printers rapidly produces high quality graphics and text. Just like multifunction printers and digital photocopiers, laser printers make use of xerographic printing process. LED printer is another toner based printer which uses LEDs instead of laser.

2. Liquid inkjet printers: These printers operate by propelling different sized droplets of ink onto any size of page. Liquid inkjet printers are the most common type of computer printers that are used by consumers. They can be used in small home offices too. These printers can print with a resolution of 1200 to 4800 dots per inch.

3. Solid ink printers: they are also known as phase change printers and area type of thermal transfer printers.

4. Inkless printers: UV printers and thermal printers are type of inkless printers. UV printers use a special reusable paper coated with UV light sensitive chemicals. Thermal printers work by making use of special heat sensitive papers and by selectively heating regions on it.

5. Dot matrix printers: commonly used in home office for lost cost, low quality applications or the applications demanding high volume printing. They make use of small pins to create precise dots but are quickly going out of style.

6. 3D printers: okay, not something you will probably buy for your home. But they are worth mentioning because 3D printing is so cool.


Scanners and printers are some of the most popular pieces of equipment in home offices today. As technology moves forward more advanced features are always being added. Things like wireless network with multiple devices is now becoming desirable as people wish to print directly from their iPhone or iPad.

Buying a Webcam

Is it me, or does it feel like even Grandma is on Skype?

Whether you want to make videos to load up onto YouTube or talk with your friends and family on Skype, you are going to need a decent webcam. These little devices are really great for college students to keep up with their families or for Dads that travel a lot and want to say goodnight to their kids when away from home. They are also just great for making videos for sharing on your blog or Facebook as so many people do nowadays.



Despite the level of coolness, webcams are pretty affordable for most. You can buy one for yourself and even buy one for a family member at Christmas and stay in contact visually all year long.

Features to Compare

The choices in webcams aren't too overwhelming. If you need a bargain option then there are certainly some cheap webcams to buy. But if you want a good webcam then you will probably find yourself purchasing a Logitech model as they are currently the leader in the consumer filed.

That said, there are still a few models to choose from at varying price points. If you want the best webcam then I would suggest the Logitech Pro C920. It has the highest resolution of the Logitech webcams.

But if you need something a bit cheaper, here are the main features to compare:

- Video Resolution
- Autofocus
- Automatic Light
- Noise Reduction Microphone
- Operating System Compatibility

Buying a Photo Scanner

If you are new to scanners then all of the features involved can be a bit confusing. Let's review some of the most important features of a photo scanner in particular so you can make an informed buying decision.

Resolution

First, one of the first features you will see emphasized is resolution, given in dpi or dots per inch. The resolution limits of a scanner tell you how powerful the scanner is at replicate the detail of the item that it is scanning, but there is an important catch. When scanning something like a photo, there is a limit to the amount of detail that can be captured in the first place.

Now, if you plan to scan film, slides or negatives then a higher resolution is important. That is because a negative (or slide) has a much greater resolution within itself to be captured than a print made from the same negative. The photo print has essentially lost detail to the printing process (as photo printers have a max resolution at which they can print).

So if you only plan to scan photo prints then you do not need to necessarily purchase the scanner with the highest resolution. But if you think you may one day want to scan film or objects, then go for more resolution. If you have many pictures to scan, consider a photo scanner with feeder.

Image Enhancement

Another thing to compare when trying to choose a photo scanner is the image-enhancing functions. For example, the Canon 9000F has a feature called FARE which will automatically correct for defects in your photos like scratches or color fading. Some of the mid to upper level Epson scanners have a similar technology called Digital Ice. These functions can improve the quality of your scans without much intervention on your part, but they also come at a higher cost.

Scanning Software

Software packages are another thing that can differ from one scanner to another. The cheapest photo scanners do not include photo-editing software like Photoshop Elements that some of the best scanners have. If you would like to do some creative editing of your photos, then the addition of these programs can sometimes be more cost effective than buying them separately so keep that in mind.

Finally, don't forget to check the dimensions of the scanners you are considering. Flatbed scanners have a larger footprint than some people realize and you need to make sure you have the space to set them up. If space is a major issue, there are also portable photo scanners available which are very compact. Image quality will not be as good, but if you have nothing fancy planned for your photo images then that may not matter anyway.

Some Handy Tips On Scanning Slides To A Computer

Slides used to be one of the most popular ways of showing off holiday snaps or other photographs of a wider appeal. With most people heading into the digital age though, many have tried to scan their old slides onto computers, a process which can often be disappointing without having first read some tips on scanning slides.

The reason for the poor quality of many images which have been scanned from slides is due to one very simple consideration for which the remedy can be found relatively straightforwardly.

LIGHT

Light is key to the process. Scanners transmit light against images, in much the same way that office photocopiers work. Obviously, slides are transparent, meaning that light shines through the image being scanned rather than reflecting off it as it should.

The scanner being used therefore needs to have in-built capability to scan transparencies; this takes the form of a Transparent Materials Adapter, usually referred to as a TMA. This is part of some scanners' specifications, but by no means all, and individual scanners should be checked. Expert help from the manufacturer or an accredited expert should be taken if no TMA is present.

If a TMA is part of the scanner's specifications then the actual process of scanning transparencies is not over-complicated. The first step is to ensure that the scanner's glass is clean to prevent any distortions or disruptions to the quality of the final image. A lint-free cloth sprayed with a mild variety of glass cleaner is usually best for this job.

The TMA should be opened next and the transparencies to be scanned placed in the slots indicated on the TMA's template. Additional leaks of light cab ruin the process, so if less than a full sheet of slides is being scanned additional light shields are necessary. These additional shields should come with the TMA.

It should also be borne in mind that different scanners from different manufacturers have different specifications and this may mean small alterations to the process on different devices. Instruction manuals should be consulted for specific details.

The with the slides needs to be placed on the glass of the scanner, the marking symbol or arrow in its corner aligned with the similar mark on the scanner bed. The images can then be scanned, saved and altered using one of the many kinds of software available for such a purpose.

The resolution at which the images are being scanned is another factor to consider. If images are to be expanded or blown up in any way then details can be lost if images are not scanned at a high enough resolution.

The scanning of an old image can present the chance to restore it to former glories, with photo software allowing for colours to be reinvigorated and images sharpened. This is a good idea if the images are going to be presented in public or beyond the immediate circle of friends and family, or if images have spent a lengthy period of time in storage conditions which have been less than perfect.

The user manuals of individual scanners can provide additional and more specific guidance on the process using different devices. However, the essential requirement is to have a TMA.