Network based scanner

[mrochester]

Lets say I have a multifunction printer/scanner/copyer with ethernet and wifi capability. I obviously know that a network printer can be added to my PC. But can a network scanner be added, or does the scanner part have to be connected via USB to work?

If the device is connected via the network, does that reduce the scanning capability of the device to just being able to copy and print documents only rather than scanning to file on the PC?

Thanks

 

[mattyfez]

No, its all digital info, it matters not weather its ethernet or wi-fi.

Wi-fi may be a little slower, but in terms of 'ikkle documents, it will make no difference.

its all digital, so there is no loss between PC and printer/scanner. quality depends on how good the scanner is.

 

[dave-lew99]

Few scanners for less than many £££ have network scanning capability - due to there not being any sort of standardised format - printers are shared over samba but there is no provision for scanning.

Unless it explicitly says it supports network scanning, assume it doesn't.

 

[DRZ]

High(ish) end All In One machines that are networked tend to be able to scan to a network target. Any of the HP OfficeJet range should be able to do it afaik, starting with the 7310 (which is getting on a bit now!)

As you are looking for one with Ethernet and Wifi, you're probably braced for how much its going to set you back, but something like the OfficeJet L7780 does what you want and is a bargain at circa £350. There is a lower model which has wifi but I cant remember off the top of my head what it is and thats about £180 and again should scan to a networked target

 

[Nick644622]

It must be a very small market for this.............walks to scanner, inserts document, walks to PC, scans, walks to scanner, retrieves document/inserts a new document walks to PC etc etc. Maybe it is not a strong marketing feature & so not promoted.