Printers with Scanners

[maverick786us]

Is it really true that Printers having Scanner, Photo Copiers like HP DJ8500, if connected using WiFi, cannot be used for scanning purpose??

 

[Damar]

Is it really true that Printers having Scanner, Photo Copiers like HP DJ8500, if connected using WiFi, cannot be used for scanning purpose??

Depends on the model/brand as far as I know. Here's the scanner info for the Epson 810 model for instance....

The 810 features 4800 dpi resolution and 48-bit color scanning of images and documents. Like the 800 and the NX515, the 810 supports the "pull scanning" method over a wireless network using the Epson Scan application that was loaded on the computer during the initial software installation. In addition, the 810, like the NX515, can also “push scan” over a wireless network (or USB connection) to scan an image to a computer, a memory card, an e-mail, or into PDF format. It also offers standalone, one-touch color, and black-and-white copying, with the ability to instantly reduce and enlarge copies from 25 to 400 percent. The quality of our scans was excellent and it scanned our documents, both black-and-white and color, pretty quickly.

 

[keenan]

Most consumer type models can't scan *directly* to a network resource or e-mail. I know some Brother models can scan to a file share or FTP, but not e-mail. HPs typically can't do either. However in conjunction with the software installed on a PC networked to the printer they can generally use all of their functionality. This isn't always true though, and it's hard to tell from reading literature. Pretty irritating that it's so hard to figure out TBH. And why they can't all just have an SMTP client built-in is beyond me, but I digress...

 

[maverick786us]

Most consumer type models can't scan *directly* to a network resource or e-mail. I know some Brother models can scan to a file share or FTP, but not e-mail. HPs typically can't do either. However in conjunction with the software installed on a PC networked to the printer they can generally use all of their functionality. This isn't always true though, and it's hard to tell from reading literature. Pretty irritating that it's so hard to figure out TBH. And why they can't all just have an SMTP client built-in is beyond me, but I digress...

the reasong I wanna purchase HP DJ8500, wifi is so that I can place it in other room and use all its functionality through wifi. SMTP and FTP is too much, but if the scanning functionality cannot be used though WiFi, then its a big big drawback for this printer. When printing can be done using Wifi, why can't scanning be done that way??

 

[obobski]

I have the up-model of that, the Premier, it can scan, print, fax, etc across wired 10/100 or WiFi or USB, no issues whatsoever, either into a network folder or through the HP software, can also do a number of other neat things with it

so yes, it works exactly as you'd like it to, as long as you set it up right

 

[maverick786us]

Thanks, Which model # is it??

 

[Old Hippie]

I know some Brother models can scan to a file share or FTP, but not e-mail.

My Brother MFC 490-CW will scan to email....

I've never heard of a scanner not being able to use WiFi.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I know some of the older ones wouldn't...but I haven't come across a fairly recent one that can't scan over the network. I just bought an HP PhotoSmart Premium, and that works beautifully over my home network.

 

[Old Hippie]

I think the "trick" is to purchase a network capable printer.

 

[DeaconFrost]

When printing can be done using Wifi, why can't scanning be done that way??

Is there a specific place or person who's telling you that it can't? For the HPs, the software is identical that gets loaded on the client system. The driver is different, based on the interface used...but the overlaying software works the same.

The only issue is that you need to walk over to the other room, put the paper in that you want to scan, and then walk back. It isn't as convenient. I keep my networked all-in-one on my desk, next to my primary tower. However, my server, HTPC, and two laptops are all connected to it as well.

 

[Old Hippie]

Thanks, Which model # is it??

That HP in your link is pretty much a super deluxe model.

HP's software is pretty much the epitome of bloated/useless programs/drivers and I'll never purchase another one.

I got my refurbed Brother MFC 490-CW for 50.00 from Office Max and while the print quality isn't uber it does everything well and the drivers don't take 20 mins to install.

If you don't have any special requirements, networked AIOs can be had starting at 100-120 dollars.

 

[keenan]

My Brother MFC 490-CW will scan to email....

I've never heard of a scanner not being able to use WiFi.

This is a screenshot of a PC application. They can all scan to e-mail via the PC, but not directly from the printer to an SMTP server. Can yours?

 

[Old Hippie]

They can all scan to e-mail via the PC, but not directly from the printer to an SMTP server. Can yours?

I really have no idea.

I thought the question was about email but I don't have any idea what scanning directly to an SMPT server would do for me.

Explain please?

 

[keenan]

I thought the question was about email but I don't have any idea what scanning directly to an SMPT server would do for me.

Explain please?

Most AIOs I've seen work like this - you take your paper to the device, hit 'scan to e-mail', select a PC to be the relay, go back to the PC and find your e-mail program started with a new message being composed. You then type in the recipient's name and so on and send as a normal e-mail. Or worse - sometimes you have to start the scanner application and click 'scan to e-mail' (I guess because it doesn't keep a local DB of computers for you to choose from), then walk to the device and do the rest of the steps described.

To put it bluntly, this is a pain in the ass. Not only do you have to run the bloated and mostly crappy scanner software on your PC, you need to have your PC on, and you need to constantly walk back and forth to scan documents. If the scanner has an SMTP client, you can put in the address on the device, or select from an address book on the device, and it will send it directly into the wild with no PC interaction. It also doesn't work if the user doesn't have a standard MAPI e-mail client (ie. like many people, they use webmail exclusively), or doesn't run Windows.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I thought the question was about email but I don't have any idea what scanning directly to an SMPT server would do for me.

Nothing in a typical home network, to be honest. These features are usually found in enterprise class devices that cost more. HPs new line have smaller driver footprints that don't load the bloat and crap. The still offer the full download, and the full junk on CD, but the trick is to either let Windows update load the drivers, or get the minimal package from HP's website.

 

[Old Hippie]

Now I see says the blind Old Hippie and I can assure you that my printer doesn't have that capability.

Actually I had 5 different AIOs and none have had that capability....it must only come with the over 150.00 machines? If that's the case I'll never have one with SMTP "push".

I have to do it the hard way and turn my chair to press the scan button.

Seriously, that's a feature I'd never use.

 

[Old Hippie]

HPs new line have smaller driver footprints that don't load the bloat and crap.

That's great to hear and a definate improvement.

I could never get all the features to work, especially scan, without installing all their software and I kid you not, it would take 15mins to install.

It was a freaking nightmare and I threw it in the trash the first time the ink cartridges went empty.

 

[keenan]

Actually I had 5 different AIOs and none have had that capability....it must only come with the over 150.00 machines? If that's the case I'll never have one with SMTP "push".

Yeah, I think there are some out there, but they're few and far between, and I'm pretty sure none of HPs do it at all.

Seriously, that's a feature I'd never use.

Fair enough, but it is considerably more convenient if you have a lot of material to scan or if you're trying to use your *networked* scanner away from a PC. It's actually something lots of my clients are surprised and dismayed about - 'you mean the scanner can't send e-mail and I have to do it from my PC anyway?' or 'you mean I have to have my PC on to scan?'. 'But it says on the box that it sends e-mail!'. I mean, I may as well just scan it to a network share and send the e-mail myself, the scan to e-mail button does nothing for me.

Anyway /rant, I almost never have a use for scanners, I just get sick of dealing with this issue at my SMB clients that have gone and bought a $300-500 AIO expecting this functionality and ending up with this limitation that can make the scanning functionality much less useful than they were expecting. And before you say it, yes this equipment is targeted at small business, and should have these features, especially when it's advertised on the box.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It isn't usually advertised on the box, to be honest, unless you consider a misunderstanding of the terms. Most AIOs can scan directly to e-mail....but that doesn't mean it can scan directly to an SMTP server...something the vast majority of home networks, and even very small businesses wouldn't have anyway. Anything you'll buy with advertising on the box isn't going to be an Enterprise product that offers these type features. Scanning directly to e-mail, to me, should be interpreted as going directly into your e-mail program, so it is sent from you, the user, and not from a device. I have various networked scanner/printers in use in my office and for my remote users, and only one can do this option (directly to a outgoing server), and that's our large, leased Canon ImageRunner Color Copier.

 

[keenan]

'Direct' implies that nothing else is required. That is, the device 'directly' e-mails the recipient, not via a PC (which would not be 'direct'). They don't really scan to e-mail anyway, they scan to a file and then open a new MAPI message. That's like 5 lines of code and offers me virtually nothing over scanning to a file and attaching it myself. It's a non-feature. Considering how crappy most of the software for these things is, it might well actually be faster for me to use a better application with a TWAIN driver to scan the file and do exactly that. When I buy a standalone device that has a lot of capabilities on its own and look at the feature list, I assume I'm looking at the features *for that device*, not the bulky optional software, and that blurry line is part of my gripe. It's very difficult to discover what features are actually supported on the device itself and which require a separate PC and supported OS, user interaction and so on.

And everyone uses SMTP to deliver mail. That's how e-mail works. You don't necessarily need to operate an in-house mail server, but virtually everyone should have access to one that will relay mail to an Internet e-mail address. Scanning this way is a lot more convenient, especially when the device is shared with several users with desks further than a few yards away from the device. Unless you want to dedicate a PC just for scanning, it makes the scan to e-mail feature useless, and my users tend to end up scanning to a network share or FTP and manually creating the e-mail.

and only one can do this option (directly to a outgoing server), and that's our large, leased Canon ImageRunner Color Copier.

Exactly. That's what I'm complaining about... there's no reason for this.

 

[DeaconFrost]

'Direct' implies that nothing else is required.

Think about the target audience and consumer base. If you say direct to e-mail to them, it means directly to their e-mail, such as Outlook, etc. They wouldn't have much of a concept over what an SMTP server is. You can make the case that it is misleading if you wear your I.T. hat.

I always go back to my users viewpoints in a situation like this. For them, to say an AIO can scan directly to e-mail, means they don't have to save the file, go into Outlook, and then attach it themselves...it goes directly into a waiting outgoing message.

 

[keenan]

I suppose you can make that point, but I'd still say it's 'marketspeak' and not a properly precise statement to be making about the product.

Anyway, whether or not its advertised on the box, I still don't see why this feature can't be more widely implemented, as I would personally not want to use any device without it, and for most of my clients that have purchased these, it's the wrong solution for them as well.

Oh and:

Think about the target audience and consumer base.

And before you say it, yes this equipment is targeted at small business,