Can someone recommend a document scanner that I can plug in (USB) to my Windows 7 desktop computer? I need to be able to scan a blank form into my computer and then using Word, type information on that form and then print it out.

Someone recently told me these document scanners are around $100.00 and are sold at Office Depot. Can someone here recommend a particular brand or certain features that I need to look for?

Tony,

I do not need 40 pages a minute capability,...40 pages per month would reflect my occasional need. $440.00 is a little steep for me.

I use the scansnap S1500 by Fitsuji that I've had for years. If it ever needs to be replaced it is the only brand I would consider. But I scan hundreds of pages a week and agree that you probably can't justify the expense.

My S-I-L has a Neat and the software is extremely limited and lacks so many features that I don't understand why it is so popular.

Roy for your purposes both Brothers and Canon have a scanner powered by USB. I believe they both sell for under $100. Both brands are decent.

When you scan documents they are usually saved as PDFs. Does Word allow you to type into PDF forms?

WMH:

PDF is the standard format for scanned docs but there are a multitude of other options depending on the scanner's software.

To the best of my knowledge Adobe Fill and Sign is a subscription service from Adobe Cloud.

I hate the fact that I followed along and understood everything that was written.

If we all stood in a room twenty years ago and somebody read what was written above, One of us would call in the people with the white coats.

If we all were listening to this 300 years ago, we would be compelled to burn Roy, as any self respecting citizen would do with a warlock.

What I really like is reading about is the task you have planned for the scanner. That is a great idea. If more things were ready at the press of a button we would run a tighter ship.

Go to eBay & get the latest version of Adobe to install. Last time I bought a CD it was about $15.00. Convert your Word docs to PDFs. Then either use the Typewriter feature in Adobe to fill the form in or make it a fillable form. It takes a little time to get the hang of Adobe but once you do, it becomes a simple process.

Adobe Reader doesn't work for me because you can't save your docs. At least you used to not be able to. I still think that's the case because prospective tenants can't fill in my rental app, save it & email it back to me with Reader.

No need to buy the CD go to pdfforge dot org download the PDFCreator.

I've used an Epson V10 scanner I purchased at Office depot about 10 years ago. Still works well, scans PDF, scans and prints, scans and emails.

You can find several scanners online or at Office Depot/Staples for under $100. A very good investment. I use mine all the time.

Whoo-Hoo...What you are looking for is on Ebay right now!

You all have me more confused now than before. What I really want (need) is my old IBM Selectric II typewriter. Put the form in, type in the blank spaces, sign the form and make a photocopy. Why can't computers and scanners be this simple?

ROY:

Roy www.alacourt.gov fill in & print Form

C-59 eviction

C-21 garnishment

+1 on the Brother mutifunction machine mentioned above. We've had one for about five years and love it. Prints great, scans great. It'll fax, too, if you want it to.

If you have a full version of Adobe you can reduce your scanned file size, and all the other great stuff Acrobat can do.

Roy,

Never buy cheap tools. This is a crucial office tool. Fujitsu Scansnap iX500 only. $369 on Amazon.

It works. Every time. Plug and play.

It’s even ROY-able :)

You’ll save hundreds in tech help and on therapy for stress.

I bought 5 of them, one for each helper so they don’t have to share.

Ps

It’s so easy to use you’ll find yourself using it more than anticipated.

Hi Roy,

ANY scanner will save as a PDF (and several other formats...none of which you'll ever use).

i STRONGLY recommend a sheer feeder for ease of multi-page scanning.

i STRONGLY a laser as well for reliable cheapness

i see them frequently for about $100. i've had great success with the Brother and also Canon. not so much with HP. snapscans are spendy but might be a good bet for you since you seem like easy is best. they all are USB but have a special end at the scanned side

A thought...

I use the scanner app on my phone frequently. Basically take a photo with the phone and push a button. It's now a document I can save to my desktop or text or email to someone.

I use this in court all the time. They sign, I snap, hand it to the judge.

BRAD:

Smokewana..lol. Bring back the "compelled to burn" rule!! I will fully support it.

Roy, I have a Brother 1500w. ($100-ish) It is good for scanning but little else. I am not aware of a Brother feature that allows for scanning and then filling out a document. I personally use a free, open source, photoshop esq, program called GIMP. I drag and drop my pics (documents) as a project and through the magic of my click and paste skills, change whatever needs to be changed. It can be a bit of a pain, but I need to do this so rarely, it's okay. Did I mention that it's free? lol.