summer_jackel (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
summer_jackel) wrote2009-02-11 08:26 pm
summer_jackel) wrote2009-02-11 08:26 pm
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Oh HELL, I need a new scanner. WOE, with attendant cry for help.
Can we all have a moment of silence for Little Scanny, please, who has died the true electronic death.
I know I'm super posty today, I'm sorry. But for this latest development, I actually think I need some advice.
The machine I'm using to scan my stuff is an Epson Scanner/Copier/Printer threeway I got, I think, in 2002. It is, I believe, on its little electronic deathbed. The copy and print functions have long since failed, no matter how often I clean or attempt to troubleshoot it by the manual directions, but the scanner still worked. The thing is, unless it has ink, it won't run the scanner, and it will automatically determine that the ink is out at a set time no matter how little ink in the cartridge has actually been used. (which is none, in this case, since the print/copy functions died more than a year ago. Does the stuff go bad?) The ink for it is both expensive and no longer carried in local stores.
I loathe the quick obsolescence of computer technology and cringe at the prospect of having to responsibly dispose of this hated boat-anchor of a once shiny and exciting device. But I'm not buying really expensive (like, $40+ a cartridge) ink for a broken machine that can no longer use it, but is just designed such that its tertiary function won't run without the stuff.
Perforce, I require a new scanner. Quickly, because I need to scan a commission with a Feb. 14th deadline, and since I am about to be really busy, I was hoping to get the finished art scanned tonight (inks) and tomorrow (finished painting). Thankfully, scanners are cheaper than I thought they were, for instance this little puppy for $150, which is about what I can afford for this acquisition. I plan to cruise Best Buy tomorrow.
Given that I have a friends list full of artists, and keeping in mind that I am just barely technologically literate compared to many of you, I am encouraging all of you to share your opinions on what to get, what to look for and what to avoid. Scanners: we all love to bitch, complain and hate on 'em, but it would be nice if I could actually get something that would kill my artwork somewhat less than the old clunker.
I know I'm super posty today, I'm sorry. But for this latest development, I actually think I need some advice.
The machine I'm using to scan my stuff is an Epson Scanner/Copier/Printer threeway I got, I think, in 2002. It is, I believe, on its little electronic deathbed. The copy and print functions have long since failed, no matter how often I clean or attempt to troubleshoot it by the manual directions, but the scanner still worked. The thing is, unless it has ink, it won't run the scanner, and it will automatically determine that the ink is out at a set time no matter how little ink in the cartridge has actually been used. (which is none, in this case, since the print/copy functions died more than a year ago. Does the stuff go bad?) The ink for it is both expensive and no longer carried in local stores.
I loathe the quick obsolescence of computer technology and cringe at the prospect of having to responsibly dispose of this hated boat-anchor of a once shiny and exciting device. But I'm not buying really expensive (like, $40+ a cartridge) ink for a broken machine that can no longer use it, but is just designed such that its tertiary function won't run without the stuff.
Perforce, I require a new scanner. Quickly, because I need to scan a commission with a Feb. 14th deadline, and since I am about to be really busy, I was hoping to get the finished art scanned tonight (inks) and tomorrow (finished painting). Thankfully, scanners are cheaper than I thought they were, for instance this little puppy for $150, which is about what I can afford for this acquisition. I plan to cruise Best Buy tomorrow.
Given that I have a friends list full of artists, and keeping in mind that I am just barely technologically literate compared to many of you, I am encouraging all of you to share your opinions on what to get, what to look for and what to avoid. Scanners: we all love to bitch, complain and hate on 'em, but it would be nice if I could actually get something that would kill my artwork somewhat less than the old clunker.
no subject
Problem was, my PC has no SCSI port so, when I needed to scan things, I had to fire up the Mac Performa 575 (of equal vintage). One day, I was in the thrift store and there, in the box, was a USB MicroTek Scanmaker 3600 for $10. Works like a champ.
If money is tight, check large thrift stores for usable technology. :D
no subject