Agfa SnapScan
The SnapScan flatbed scanner is inexpensive, easy to set up and use, and produces fine-looking images. It delivers single-pass scans in 24-bit color at an optical resolution of 300x600dpi. With interpolation, it can scan up to 2400dpi. The scanning bed handles materials as large as 8.5 by 11.7 inches. The SnapScan comes with a software bundle that includes OmniPage LE (Limited Edition) OCR and PhotoImpact LE software, and SOFT Copy, which lets you use the scanner as a fax machine and copier. A wizard activated from the TWAIN screen steps you through the scanning process. $389 Agfa, 800-685-4271, 508-658-5600. Winfo #613. Go To Full Review

Logitech PageScan Color Pro
The PageScan Color Pro is a worthy successor to the discontinued PageScan. In addition to Logitech's own scanning software, the unit ships with Adobe's PhotoDeluxe software and Xerox TextBridge. A pop-up toolbar displays when you insert a document or photograph into the input tray. The toolbar has settings for scanning art or text, printing a scanned image or attaching one to a fax. Feed papers through the scanner's front or back, use the 10-page automatic document feeder or remove the unit from its base to scan bound documents. You can scan up to 16.8 million colors with optical resolution of up to 400x800dpi. $349 Logitech, 800-231-7717, 510-795-8500. Winfo #614. Go To Full Review.

PacificImage ScanAce III
The ScanAce III offers spectacular 36-bit color and an optical resolution of 600x1200dpi. The unit comes with an 8-bit SCSI card and drivers (which accommodate any ASPI-compliant card) for running under Win95 or 3.x. The well-organized interface lets you control just about everything--automatic gamma adjustments, dithering (for 1-bit scans), moiré removal, highlight levels and color curves. Even the CCD exposure control can be changed. Bundled software includes CyberView, PacificImage's TWAIN driver software and Ulead Systems ImagePals 2 GO image-editing software. You also get a copy of Xerox TextBridge Classic OCR. $899 PacificImage Electronics, 310-214-5281, fax 310-214-5282. Winfo #615. Go To Full Review

Visioneer PaperPort ix
The PaperPort ix converts piles of paper into digital documents that can be sorted, OCRed and indexed. This unique peripheral combines a 104-key keyboard with an integrated 8-bit monochrome, sheet-fed scanner. A sensor detects when you insert a sheet of paper and automatically turns the unit on. The CD-ROM-based software is this peripheral's true added value. The bundle includes applications for document management, image enhancement, business card scanning, document copying and a variety of links that allow you to seamlessly integrate the PaperPort ix's features with other apps. $299 Visioneer, 800-787-7007, 415-812-6400. Winfo #616. Go To Full Review

Storage Systems: Introduction