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In computing, an '''image scanner''' is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. 

== Types of image scanners: ==
*''Flatbed scanners:'' Are the best-known and largest selling scanner type. They look like miniature printers with a flip-up cover protecting the glass platen. 
*''Sheetfeed scanners:'' Use the same basic technology as flatbeds, but maximize throughput, usually at the expense of quality. Generally designed for high-volume business environments, they typically scan in black and white or gray scale at relatively low resolutions. 
*''Drum Scanners:'' Produce the highest resolution, highest quality scans of any scanner type, but at a big price. Besides their expense, drum scanners are slow, not suitable for brittle documents and require a high level of operator skill. Thus they are typically found in service bureaus that cater to the color pre-press market. 
*''Portable scanners:'' Are small enough to bring on the road. Some are as wide as a page and roll easily down the page. They’re not going to give high-resolution scans and so are not good for scanning photographs or other applications where you need a high-quality result.