pdf. Conversion Conundrum Using a CanoScan LiDE 200

[billb]

I think I know the answer to my problem but here goes.

I have a document, a form actually, that has not only
words of different font sizes but also horizontal and
vertical lines. I've been making photo copies. I would
like to turn this hard copy document into a pdf file or
similar format on the Mac so I can just print out copies
with my laser printer. It should be much cheaper and
more convenient than making photo copies.

The only thing I can think of is to photograph it with a
digital camera. Then convert it from a jpg into a pdf.

Is their a better (free) way to do what I want that
I'm missing? BTW, I don't own or have access to a
scanner.

THANKS!!!
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[Cypher]

Here's a few possible options

You may be able to get the document done as a pdf in the place you do your copying, most modern photocopiers will also save the scan directly as a pdf as well as printing out the copy. Not sure if your photocopier would do it though as they effectively loose your business if they do.

Your local library may have scanners you could use.

Or a cheeky one would be to go into your local computer store and ask to try out some scanners your thinking of buying. Obviously you have a document, (and maybe a photograph) you'd like to test them with. Ask if you can copy the results on to your pen drive so you can see how they look on your system, and compare the results
_________________
Phil

Mac Mini 2.53GHz - iMac 2.0Ghz - Macbook Pro 2.4GHz - iPad 1 32GB 3G
6TB Netgear Ready NAS NV+ - 6TB Drobo S

[billb]

Thank you Cypher!! Sometimes things
are as obvious as the nose on my face
I just needed to be reminded to look.

I have an old Epson CX4800 printer in
the closet. It doesn't print worth a damn
any more but its scanner may work. I
just downloaded their 10.6 Intel Driver
Pack. When I'm ready to give it a try
I'll plug in the Epson and see if it can
create a file (pdf. ???) I can alter with
Open Office or AppleWorks.

Thanks Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[Bandit Bill]

Or recreate the document with NeoOffice.

With the millions of $50 AIO printer scanner combos on the market, likely your neighbor has a scanner. I'd ask someone to scan it for you and email it to you if your budget is tight.

I find a scanner to be an essential part of my computer system. It doesn't get a lot of use, but it is so handy when needed. I particularly find it handy when I need to sign a document and send it back to someone.

You may want to consider picking up an entry level model like the Canon. I'm not a fan of the AIO models. A cheap USB powered scanner (no additional power cord) along with a laser printer has been awesome for me. Even as a photo copier it is awesome. All you have to do is push a button on the front of the scanner and it will make a photo copy to your printer instantly or create a PDF.

BTW I have a CanonScan LiDE 70. I've been very pleased with it. I think I paid $70 CAD.


It looks like the LiDE 200 is the current model.

[billb]

I've always wanted a good quality scanner but
they aren't cheap. You are right about All In One
Printer/Scanner/Ice cream makers. They don't do
anything well. If the Epson doesn't work my
sisters office has a very expensive Xerox copy
machine. I'll give that a try next.

About Neo Office, I haven't used that in years.
Lately OpenOffice has been my App. of choice.
I tried using IBM's Symphony.........but to many
notes, if you know what I mean. And AppleWorks
is version 6 which I imported from my PPC Mac.
I haven't found it as useful as the more current
version of OpenOffice.

I guess the quality of Epson's scanner driver will
determine if the pdf it creates is easily and successfully
manipulated. We'll see.
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[Bandit Bill]

[billb]

Thanks, thats good to know. I have
OO 3.1.1 so it should work.

I've been looking at the CanonScan's
on Amazon and they appear to only have
a USB connection. No A/C power. Is that
a problem? I ask because I have approximately
1000 USB devices plugged in to a powered
hub and sometimes when I attach my
SD card READER the hub can't handle it.
Yes, you heard me. An SD card reader.
I have a new 10 port USB hub on order.
I'll wait for that to come in and see how it
handels all of my USB devices. Come to
think of it, I have one million USB devices
plugged in.
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[billb]

Speaking of 10 port USB Hubs,
how about a 24 port Hub.
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[Bandit Bill]

I haven't had any issues with the USB connection. For quite some time I was using the scanner through a 10' USB extension cable. The same extension cable caused issues with USB hard drives, but not the scanner. So I'd venture to say you should be just fine. It doesn't seem to require a huge amount of power or data throughput. I was shocking pleased and impressed with how well it works through a USB powered port. Knowing how well it works, I wouldn't even consider a model that requires a power adapter. We all know Mac mini users already have enough power adapters to deal with.

If you have concerns perhaps look at purchasing from a company with a good returns policy.

[billb]

I'm leaning toward the Canon CS5600F Image
Scanner. I've read the reviews on half a dozen
Canon scanners and the 5600 sort a' seems
like the one to get, though its almost twice as
expensive as the others. I may cheap out and
go with the least expensive one because I'm
unlikely to use it much.
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[Bandit Bill]

As much as I like high quality stuff. I'd cheap out and buy the least expensive Canon you can find that supports OSX (like the 200 model)
Use it for 5+ years and then dump it when it no longer has driver/connectivity support. I'm still upset that I can no longer use the $500 AGFA SCSI scanner I bought years ago, but I could care less about the $75 Canon. Funny thing is I'm probably getting more use out of the Canon and the quality is very good.

I really like the USB only connectivity. It's not using any power or taking up additional real estate underneath my desk. It has a real slim design, so it's non intrusive, but it's there when I need it.

[billb]

Don't you hate it when it makes sense to cheap out!
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC

[Cypher]

[Bandit Bill]

[billb]

Its settled then, the cheapest
I mean least expensive Canon
will do.
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC