CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 11/18/2003
- Released on: 07/14/2003
The HP Scanjet 3970 may need an updated design, but with a price tag hovering around $100, plus a good selection of features and the ability to produce quality images, this is a great utilitarian scanner for a first-time user or a student.
The Scanjet 3970 avoids looking too bulky, but it's a bit boxy and could use a more streamlined, stylish design. The convenient, sliding hinges on its lid accommodate books or albums; they feel a little more stable than those of its sibling, the Scanjet 3670. Handy features include the built-in Transparent Material Adapter for scanning slides and 35mm negatives, and the four one-touch buttons lining the front for scanning, printing, image-sharing, and creating photo CDs.
A clear, step-by-step instruction sheet makes it easy to set up the Scanjet 3970. Like most HP scanners, the 3970 comes with HP Photo & Imaging software, a no-frills photo- and image-editing app. You also get Hemera's Greeting Card Creator software, a fun little addition for creating and printing cards. What you don't get is a great service package: the scanner comes with an unimpressive 90-day limited warranty.
We were pleased when we tested the Scanjet 3970's image reproduction on our 19-inch Samsung SyncMaster 957MB flat-screen CRT. The scanner picked up the most minute details--though it created a slightly grainy quality in photographic images--and it accurately reproduced the colors of the test document. It also delivered clear, legible text down to 3-point font. Overall, its scans were clean and of good quality.
Editor's note: We have updated the ratings of this product to reflect changes in this category.
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