On August 26, CNET launched a substantial redesign of its Web sites. As part of the changes, we've altered the rating system to include numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) and a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing changed regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
- Reviewed by:
- Jasmine France
- Reviewed on:
- 11/20/03
- Updated on:
- 11/20/03
- Released on:
- 07/14/03
- Click here to see CNET editors' review for HP Scanjet 3670
Editors' rating: scanners
We rate scanners on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere
on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
(10 percent of the total rating)
Rates the out-of-box experience as well as ease of use. Specific features we look for include a setup poster, comprehensive printed and electronic documentation, software installation wizards, and connection cables.
Design
(10 percent of the total rating)
Evaluates the physical design of the scanner, including its dimensions, its shape, and its quality of construction. Extra points are awarded for a particularly innovative or stylish design. If the scanner is a flatbed, its lid should rise on its hinges or come off completely to accommodate thick documents. If the scanner accommodates transparency adapter add-ons, the templates should be easy to use and minimize the risk of scratching your film. We also look for a sensible front-panel layout with clearly labeled buttons for controlling scanner functions.
Features
(20 percent of the total rating)
The features--and their quality--vary widely depending on the class and price of a scanner. Key features we look at include the maximum color depth and optical resolution, the number of connection ports, support for multiple operating systems, and the sophistication of the scanning software and other bundled applications. Extra points are awarded for an automatic document feeder, transparency adapter add-ons, and valuable software extras. Overall, we look for a system that provides a competitive mix of features for its price.
Performance
(20 percent of the total rating)
Gauges the overall performance of the scanner. This rating is based primarily on results of real-world speed tests that measure performance on color photographs and grayscale images. If applicable, we also test the speed of film-negative and slide scans. For more details on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, see our CNET Labs site.
Image quality
(30 percent of the total rating)
Measures the overall image quality of the scanner. The rating is based primarily on the quality of scanned color and grayscale images. If applicable, we also evaluate the film-negative and slide output quality. To evaluate output quality, we use a jury comprising editors and lab technicians who rank output samples on a scale of poor, fair, good, or excellent as compared to those of other scanners. For more details on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, see our CNET Labs site.
Service and support
(10 percent of the total rating)
Assesses the company's service and support policies, including the term of the warranty and the quality of technical support via phone (toll-free), e-mail, and the Web.
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
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