PreviousSunday 11 June 2006, 1:18 AM
Good solution for on-demand scanning to network
Though it can have a big impact on execution and efficiency, filing paper documents isn't a hot topic in most businesses and it is hard to get solid facts about competing solutions. We've gone through various HP solutions (d155xi, Scanjet+ADF etc) and this is the best we have found.
ADF scanning to network is greatly improved and is now ideal for non-technical users (once the shares have been set up for them).
Embedded web server allows you to set up 6 folders (shares on PCs or servers) each with username/password linked to quick dial buttons. When you need more than that you'll need the C8240A keyboard (bundled with 9130). Unlike the d155 the 91xx EWS does not allow you to initiate a scan via your browser, but the scan to folder is so easy that it doesn't matter. Use a static IP address if you can, so the EWS can be bookmarked.
ADF feed is fine (faster than d155 and much quieter than scanjet). Some minor image skew on our pages, which are mostly ring-bound business docs to PDF in mono. The PDFs are efficient: using Acrobat's 'reduce file size' on them only saved 15%. For single pages scan to JPG or TIFF - unfortunately scan to PNG isn't implemented.
Colour copy quality and speed seem fine and photo printing to premium paper was perfect for a 4 colour unit, though slow. Business graphics (text & photos against full-page solids) had virtually no banding on the 9120, in fact the quality was better though less saturated than our workhorse LaserJet 5500.
Haven't tried scan to email yet. No intention of installing HP's workstation software - we tried it for the d155 and it was horrible - not suitable for business PCs and most of the feature require direct USB connection anyway.
Bottom line: a great walk-up scanning and colour copying station for small business, department or branch use, assuming you partner it with an everyday printer or mono printer/copier. Might pay for itself by eliminating filing cabinets and shelves full of binders but you will need storage
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