I needed a flatbed type portable scanner I could use with my laptop when away from home. This one seems to meet that need for me (I haven't traveled with it yet).
Since I use Linux Mint, the Canon software wouldn't work (shame on you, Canon, for not making Linux compatible drivers!), so I can't comment on how well the scanner works with Canon's software. I already use Hamrick's VueScan software on my other two scanners, a Canon 9000F flatbed scanner, and a Fujitsu ix500 duplexing, ADF scanner (both of which are NOT what I would consider portable!) and it works well with this scanner once I updated it. I haven't tried to use any of the scanners buttons since Vuescan easily and conveniently does it all from within the software.
When I first tried to use the scanner with Vuescan, I went nuts trying to get the software settings to work the way I needed. It then dawned on me that I hadn't updated VueScan in quite a while since "nothing was broke so don't fix it." After I updated Vuescan (although the .deb version would probably work, the tarball—.tgz—version, when extracted, had a simple to use installer that automagically updated the current installation without changing the settings), everything started working perfectly.
Another reviewer reported getting good results with the free to use xsane.
The first time I used it, I noticed that it was hard to slide paper over the platen. I lightly moistened a microfiber cloth with water and gently wiped down the platen. After that, paper easily slides across the platten.
The stand for the scanner is a joke. Trying to position a document or whatever on the scanner while it is in the stand will be awkward at best. One will have to be really hard up for space to find it useful. I put mine in the drawer of items that will never see daylight again.
Also, my Canon 9000F uses the upper right corner has "home" for locating documents on the platen. The LiDE 400 uses the lower left corner as "home". This will take a bit of getting used to.
Now for the pros and cons.
Pros:
1. Inexpensive
2. Compact for a flatbed scanner that can handle up to letter size documents.
3. Lightweight
4. Runs off USB power so no power cords needed. (Canon says USB 3.0 is necessary for this scanner but I was able to run it just fine off a USB 2.0 port on my laptop; your "mileage" may vary.)
5. When using VueScan and the settings have been sorted out, it's easy to use.
6. Good quality scans.
7. 48" long USB cable
Cons:
1. Anything being scanned must fit flat on the platen to be fully in focus, unlike my Canon 9000F which can focus on parts that may be as much as 1/2" from its platen (for my intended use, that will not be a problem).
2. It's noisier than my other scanners (not a big deal for me).
3. The lid is flimsy. This will be a problem when transporting the scanner since the lid won't be able to protect the glass platen unless precautions are taken to protect them (I've ordered a larger laptop bag so I can safely carry the scanner in the same bag with my laptop).
4. The lock slide on the bottom is stiff to move. It has to be locked when transporting the scanner and unlocked when using it. Being on the bottom of the scanner, it will be easy to forget to reset it every time the scanner is transported and set up for use.
5. 48" long USB cable (whether that is a pro or con will vary from person to person).
For me, the cons were not enough for me to remove any stars from the rating. It should perfectly meet my needs. I do a lot of scanning (including some hard to scan items) so I wouldn't want to use this as my go-to flatbed scanner at home, especially since my old 9000F is still going strong but, for occasional use, the LiDE 400 should last me a long time.
BTW, the description is wrong; it's 1.75" x 9.875" x 14.5".
Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner, 7.7" x 14.5" x 0.4"
4.3
| 5,664 ratingsPrice: 75
Last update: 07-15-2024
About this item
Enjoy high speed scanning in as fast as 8 seconds, with the included USB Type-C cable. With USB Type-C the Cano scan lied 400 has one cable for data and power.
Preserve detailed photos and images thanks to 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, and with image enhancements, such as color restore and dust removal, Your photos will continue to look great.
Enjoy ease of use with 'EZ' Buttons. With auto scan mode, the Scanner automatically detects what you are scanning; built-in PDF buttons, scan and save multi-page pdf's that are editable and searchable
Paper size: 8.27 x 11.69, 8.50 x 11.69
Preserve detailed photos and images thanks to 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, and with image enhancements, such as color restore and dust removal, Your photos will continue to look great.
Enjoy ease of use with 'EZ' Buttons. With auto scan mode, the Scanner automatically detects what you are scanning; built-in PDF buttons, scan and save multi-page pdf's that are editable and searchable
Paper size: 8.27 x 11.69, 8.50 x 11.69
Product information
Product Dimensions | 14.5 x 7.7 x 0.4 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 3.6 pounds |
ASIN | B07G5YBS1W |
Item model number | 2996C002 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars
5,607 ratings
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,800 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products) #1 in Flatbed Scanners |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | August 7, 2018 |
Manufacturer | Canon USA Inc. |