Scanners for Linux?

[fos]

I am in the market for a scanner. I need to do some ocr work using something like gocr.

Is there a particular brand / model that is successful with linux?

Thanks, fos....

[shivandeveloper]

Start looking at brands that also market OSS software (like HP). When I looked a few years ago this was the only good way to go. Like digital cameras alot of makers of scanners keep their stuff really proprietary and close to their vest. I never did end up buying one since I couldn't find a scanner/OCR combo that I liked. Perhaps I should look again too as it would open up faxing functionality at home.

[fos]

I currently have a Visioneer One Touch 8100. I have been unable to make it work with any of the distributions I have tried. Other versions of the One Touch are listed but none of the drivers work for this model.

I have been searching. I'll post whatever I find.

Thanks, fos....

[stafio]

This (http://www.sane-project.org/sane-backends.html) should be a good guide as to what scanners will work for you. I have an Epson RX-500 printer/scanner, which is listed as good, and I didn't have any problems getting it to work.

This page also confirms that your OneTouch 8100 is unsupported.

[fos]

Thanks Safio!

Great link. That should do the job.

fos....

[benjaminq]

If you want to replace an old printer along this way, I can recommend the HP PSC 2355 multi function (printer/scanner/copier) device. With the hplip package you even get a GUI for maintenance functions (ink status, cartridge cleaning) and you can access the multi-card reader. Plus it does not take so much space on the desk. Photo-printing works, scanning is absolutely OK for day-to-day purposes (maybe not for professional graphic arts, but in general I never scan above 600 dpi).

The only drawback is, that the printer is a little thirsty, but you can refill the cartridges, I have a service around the corner that refills a black cartridge for 10 EUR, that's reasonable. I use a black cartridge at least three times befoe buying a new one.

HP is one of the few companies that cares a little bit about Linux ...

Benjamin

[fos]

Thanks Benjamin,

I could use another printer. I'll check out the local sources today.

fos...

[shivandeveloper]

Thanks Benjamin,

I could use another printer. I'll check out the local sources today.

fos...

If you print mostly text you'll like a laser printer better. I don't do any color printing really so laser has made me happy, and ongoing cartridge costs are nominal (they make up the price difference within a year). HP has a good line, though I've never strapped any of them up to a Linux box (my wife does most of the printing).

[fos]

I'm a big fan of laser printers. I missed purchasing one of the Samsung monochromes last years when they were selling for $69! Samsung even provides linux drivers. I could kick myself!

I had an Epson C-82 whiz bang photo quality color printer a couple of years ago. It just about ate me alive. It auto cleaned the print heads two or three times a day dumping a large portion of the four ink cartridges that cost just about $90 to replace. It did me a favor when it gave up the ghost.

My last laser was an HP 4P with postscript. It last a number of years with heavy business use. Now that I'm a school teacher I don't have as much money to spend even if I do have to but ink cartridges.

If I don't buy an HP combo unit, I may buy a scanner and a Samsung laser.

Thanks, fos....