How2Day: Scanners That Work With Windows 7

Scan all kinds of documents with Windows 7-compatible scanners. Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system became available during the fall of 2009 and presented a number of changes to its predecessor, Vista. Most scanners that have hit the shelves since Windows 7 was released are compatible with the operating system, as are many scanners that came out before its official release.

Hewlett-Packard or HP is an IT company based in Palo Alto, California, that manufacturers dozens of scanners compatible with Windows 7. These range in price from $100 to $1,500 and vary in features they offer. The HP Scanjet 7000 Sheet-Feed Scanner scans up to 2000 pages a day and features a two-line LCD control panel. The more affordable HP Scanjet N6310 Document Flatbed Scanner features a 50-page automatic document feeder, 2400 dpi/48-bit scans and capacity for up to 500 pages per day. Another even cheaper option is the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner, which offers the world's first six-color, 96-bit scanning, according to HP, and prints in 4800-by-9600 dpi resolution.

Seiko Epson Corporation, or simply Epson, is a Japan-based company that produces many scanner models that will work with Windows 7. Epson produces scanners ranging from cheap home models to professional office scanners that cost several thousand dollars. The affordable Epson Perfection V300 Photo Scanner is a "family-friendly" scanner, according to Epson, and features 4800-dpi optical resolution. Another option is the Epson Workforce Pro GT-S50 Document Scanner, which has a 75-page feeder, daily duty cycle of up to 1200 pages and a high-speed USB 2.0 connection.

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Canon is another major manufacturer of optical and imaging products, including scanners. Canon produces a range of Windows 7 scanners, including network, high-speed document and check scanners. Canon's CanoScan 5600F delivers 4800 x 9600 dpi with 48-bit color. CanoScan LiDE 90 is a more affordable, mid-range scanner that's main advantage is its flat, compact design. This scanner has 2400 x 4800 dpi, 48-bit color depth, 300 dpi in approximately 14 seconds, and USB power (no external power supply necessary).

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