Review: Scanjet 8390 big on features—and just plain big

Posted by Dennis Sellers Feb 6, 2007 at 11:56pm

First off, let me make it clear: HP’s Scanjet 8390 isn’t for everyone. This honkin’ big scanner is just too large (and, at US$1,349) too pricey for many users and small offices. However, it’s perfect for an office focusing on managing documents that’s got room to accommodate this baby.

You can perform high-quality document scans at up to 35 pages per minute (ppm) for single-sided pages or make two-sided scans at 70 images per minute (ipm). Dual scan heads scan both sides of the page simultaneously. The included HP Smart Document Scan Software makes it easy to create document profiles as it offers just about everything you need to scan, correct errors, convert and save electronic files. These features are accessible via front panel buttons. What’s more, you can make scans of various paper sizes and 3-D objects with a legal-size, landscape-oriented scanning bed and adjustable lid. Plus, you can scan 35 mm slides, negatives and larger film sizes using a built-in transparent materials adapter.

You can create customized scan profiles for recurring tasks with the HP Smart Document Scan Software. A push of a button from the front control panel launches four of the customized scan profiles. You can adjust the resolution to fit your needs from 75-dpi black-and-white document scans up to 4800-dpi, 48 bit for professional quality images.

The included NewSoft Presto! PageManager for Mac includes a complete personal document management solution with a browser-type interface, which displays thumbnails of files on the system and makes it easy to find and move photos and documents. You can initiate scanning from within the program or, as mentioned, from the front panel of the scanner. Other Mac compatible software included is HP Photosmart Studio, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and IRIS Readiris Pro OCR (optical character recognition) software. The HP 8390 flatbed scanner has USB 2.0 connectivity and can optimize scan speeds using ISIS and TWAIN drivers.

There’s a lot to love about the scanner. However, its footprint makes it too big for tight or cramped environments at 24.61 by 16.34 by 10.43 inches and 33 pounds. And, compared to other enthusiast photo scanners on the market, it is a bit expensive.

But if the size and price tag aren’t turnoffs, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a scanner for serious document management.

Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10.

Check out the offerings at Mac OS Ken and The Video Sandbox, Macsimum New’s media partners. And don’t forget: the “Macsimum Valentine’s Day Coupon Book” is now available. It’s a 2.2MB, PDF, downloadable coupon book with discounts, special offers and promotions in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. Double click it to open.

Advanced Search

Article Information

Comment on this Article Print this Article Email this Article Digg This

Contributor

Recent Articles