Taking your computer to the library

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Permalink Reply by Merryann Palmer on July 8, 2009 at 2:53pm

The best small flat bed scanner we have found is the LideScan by Cannon. It is small enough to fit in a regular computer bag. We have 2 of them, 1 of which we have been using for about 6 years!!! It has been all around the country with us, and has the dents and bruises to prove it. It is still going, but starting to show its age, so we bought a replacement a year ago - and have hardly used the replacement! You can check them out on Canon's web site: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct...

My personal scanner is an Epson Perfection, which is considerably larger than the LidoScan. I use it because it has a built in back light and is able to scan negatives, slides and film.

The LideScan can be picked up for well under $100 - depending on where you get it and which model, you can get one for as little as $40.

A quick tip if you travel with a scanner: be sure to check and see if your model has a lock for the scan head. If it does, be sure to lock it before you lug it around in your computer bag! If you don't, you can cause major damage to the head and will be looking for a new scanner. The Canon DOES have a head lock. The Epson doesn't.

Merryann
http://www.palmersrv.com

Permalink Reply by Merryann Palmer on July 8, 2009 at 8:16pm

Actually, I'd rather use my Targus security cable!!!

Chris Dunham said:

I read a good tip somewhere about what to do when you have to go wander in the stacks or use the bathroom at the library, but don't want to leave your laptop, etc., unattended. Ask two strangers who don't appear to know each other to watch your stuff. You can't always trust one stranger to be honest, but it's unlikely that two strangers would conspire to steal your stuff.

Permalink Reply by tami osmer glatz on July 9, 2009 at 7:53am

Two strangers may be less annoying than a combination lock that goes bad! According to one major security cable manufacturer contacted directly by phone, the combination type can randomly reset themselves at any time. Like when they have your computer locked to the library desk, so that you have to call the maintenance man to wire cut your computer off. If you don't already have a lock for your computer, try to find one with a key, rather than a combo. I know that lots of people don't have problems with the combination ones, but all it takes is one annoying reset at the public library, and a subsequent trip to the locksmith to get the rest removed from your laptop, to decide a key lock is better!

Permalink Reply by Merryann Palmer on July 9, 2009 at 9:17am

Hmmm - never heard that. And never had one go bad on me. But, there's always a first time. We use the combination because my husband is always misplacing his keys and managed to loose both the keys to the last one we had with keys. Adult ADHD is such a pain!

Merryann

tami osmer glatz said:

Two strangers may be less annoying than a combination lock that goes bad! According to one major security cable manufacturer contacted directly by phone, the combination type can randomly reset themselves at any time. Like when they have your computer locked to the library desk, so that you have to call the maintenance man to wire cut your computer off. If you don't already have a lock for your computer, try to find one with a key, rather than a combo. I know that lots of people don't have problems with the combination ones, but all it takes is one annoying reset at the public library, and a subsequent trip to the locksmith to get the rest removed from your laptop, to decide a key lock is better!