Printer w/Document Feeder

[rainbore]

I have a small project that requires scanning several hundred pages, so I've been considering buying a printer with an automatic document feeder. But I'm a bit worried that the document feeder is only going to work for the FAX and Copy functions, not with scan. If anyone knows whether these printers' document feeders typically work for scanning, I'd appreciate a reply.

The kicker is that I really like my current printer and so I plan to use this new printer just for this one project and then either resell it or give it to a family member. And being cheap, I'm mostly looking at low-end models that have a wireless connection. Printing speed, quality, and most other common criteria for printers really don't matter here at all. Thanks

[snowmaker]

Perhaps this Google link helps..
adf scanner reviews - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?q=adf+scanner+reviews)

[Croc Hunter]

Most document feeders will scan as far as I know, my HP does. What is the scope of the project? If you want to scan to produce a digital version of the pages, and they are actual A4 type lose pages a printer capable of OCR would be best. OCR printers can read/scan text on a page and output a text file. In that case you might even find OCR software that will work with your existing printer.

[Doc C]

Would it be more cost effective outsource the scanner to a Kinko's type of place?

[rainbore]

Thanks, Croc. As I said, I have a couple hundred pages to scan. OCR would be useful on a small percentage - small enough that transcribing would be almost as easy, but mostly I just need image files. One of my old printers came with some trial OCR software (IRIS?), and I may try to revive that if it seems practical. Mostly, I'd just prefer to avoid having to babysit each and every page as it scans. Otherwise, my current all-in-one does an excellent job and I'll just slog through it.

I hadn't thought of Kinko's, Doc. I'll look into it.

Thanks, folks!

[Croc Hunter]

Image heavy is a different fish. As Doc suggested, more often than not a Kinko's type solution will be cheaper than a basic feeder/printer & ink cartriges & paper for a one off job.

[rainbore]

Yeah, I'm leaning toward Kinkos now since it suddenly sunk into my thick skull that it's unlikely that the scanner will come with any kind of batch processing options and I'd still have to scan and name each image file one-by-one. Appreciate the advice, tho. Thanks!

[snowmaker]

Ya, Kinko's or something along those lines is probably the way to go. My scanner (and my scanning..) wouldn't do well in that situation. But, the software I use, IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide (http://www.irfanview.net/), does have a batch scan feature. It's pretty simple so it benefits me well..