scanner opinions please

[Babz]

Hi I'm not much of a technophobe and want to buy a scanner for someone who has never had one before, I don't know if it would be best to go for a flatbed scanner such as this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Lide-Colour-Flat bed-Scanner/dp/B0009Y6AZ6/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8 &coliid=IQALE92FOEHA1&colid=2FHPG8FZJ2K7Q
OR an Epson three in one scanner, copier and printer ina local shop. I'm talking the lower end of the price scale.

Any opinions please?

[Cheeris]

Dunno about those two options, but I use a HP F380 Deskjet 3-in-1 at work and at home, and have always been satisfied with the scanner functions. It cost me �30.

I think it depends whether the priority is for best quality scans given a price range, in which case go for a stand-alone flatbed scanner, or regular casual scanning, in which case go for the 3-in-1 option IMO.

[Babz]

Thanks for that Cheeris, I saw an HP all in one advertised at a good price, it might have been the one you used, but what puts me off HP is the price of the ink cartridges, I don't think you can get compatibles for HP...though someone will no doubt say you can :-) good points for either option there, so far it's still an either or question.....

[Hymie]

I have a Canon Lide 25 scanner � I can recommend it, being powered via the USB port, makes connection simple.
Save yourself a few quid and buy it from here.
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/91949

[terambulan]

I have an HP5510....excellent, scan, fax, copy & print and cartiridges in Tesco @ �10-12 for color & black....you can get refills at Office World at about same price. It cost around �150 four years ago, and still working well. It's a bit big and have installed it above my office clutter on metal stack trays

[terambulan]

My old flatbed went on Recycling.org (the free stuff).

[Babz]

Thanks very much everyone, very helpful. I'll have to make a decision sooooon!

[johntaylor99]

Hello Babz, I have bought several scanners over the last 20 years and have found from experience, that in todays world the best buy is any epson 3 in 1. Mine is currently an EPSON STYLUS PHOTO RX420.
Ink cartridges from somebody like Viking Direct are only �12.16 for all four.
Hope you have not purchased yet.

johntaylor99

[Babz]

Hi John, No I haven't purchased yet, it'll likely be next weekend. I supose the fact that there are a lot more three in one's than flatbed scanners in the shops and catalogues must mean that they are more popular these days. I've had my flatbed one for 5 years but it's a trusty old soul.
I was just thinking though...suppose one of the functions stopped working, like Epson printers do after a certain number of copies, the whole thing would need to be replaced.

I do like Epsom and all things considered, including the price, I think I probably will opt for an Epsom 3 in 1.