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HP Scanjet G3110 - Capable, yet Affordable Home or Home Office Scanner
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HP Scanjet G3110
HP's current entry-level scanner goes out of its way with very user-friendly features while providing capabilities rivaling scanners costing three times as much.
Setup is flawless under Windows Vista. Merely install the software, hook up the power and lid connections on the scanner (except its USB connection to the computer), and turn it on. When the software tells you, plug the unit's supplied USB connector into your computer.
While some people reported setup and ease of use issues on HP's website, they also reported difficulty following the four simple steps depicted on the enclosed directions. Many USB items require users to install manufacturer-supplied software and drivers first, to ensure Windows doesn't assign an incorrect driver. Bottom line: Follow the instructions.
Using the scanner couldn't be simpler, with it's all-encompassing four buttons built into the slim lid: scan to PDF, e-mail, copy to printer, and full-featured scan. The latter opens the included program for more options while working with photos, slides, and other media, allowing you to scan to any destination, including file, printer, e-mail, HP Photosmart, or even from or to third-party sources and destinations.
Other options include creating searchable PDFs (via an included OCR program), a handy function if you prefer working with PDFs and require information retrieval capability, as well as other formats, including RTF, Word, Wordpad, and TIFF, a common graphic format used in archiving documents.
Given all this, it is disappointing the lighting base and lid design for lighting slides and negatives produces a central band of brightness, while leaving the tops and bottoms somewhat darker.
As an entry-level unit, the G3110 is not for scanning dozens of documents or photos a day. Your average homeowner or business owner with low document scanning requirements should be pleased at its ease of use and out-of-the-box functionality, especially at its low, $99 price.
