I have several scanners. All come with their own software, but the 
software isn't very accessible, so I've use them with Open Boo, Text 
Cloner Pro, and fine Reader. In all cases, I've always used the Scan 
button in the software, not the physical scan button on the device. What 
I think I discovered is that, if you use the physical scan button on the 
device, you need to retrieve the images from a particular folder, than 
run OCR as a separate operation. It's not a big deal if you do a page or 
two here and there, but it gets annoying if you scan regularly or 
semi-regularly.

First, I have a little Canon scanner that is low-cost and does a fine 
job. It was less than $100, has a scanning surface big enough for letter 
sized paper, connects via USB, and can be carried in a laptop bag. It's 
the CanoScan Lide 220.

Next, I have a Brother four-in-one. I think it's the MFC-7860DW. It's a 
black-and-white laser printer/copier/scanner/fax. I think it was about 
$300. It has physical buttons, so you can learn to count key-presses and 
so on, but again, I use the on-screen button that is part of my OCR 
software. The scanning surface is a little bigger, and I think the 
resolution is a little higher than the Canon, but in most cases, I don't 
notice a difference. The Brother can be connected via USB or WiFi.

Finally, I have a document camera. It's the HoverCam that is marketed 
for the blind; I think it's the T5V. It has no controls, so you have to 
use the on-screen scan button that is part of your software. The 
HoverCam website touts an included OCR package, but like the packages 
that come with the other units I've mentioned, it's not accessible 
either. the camera is a little bit of a pita to set up because you have 
to get the right download, but it's a breeze to use. I think it cost 
about $300, and the scan quality is comparable to the Canon, so the 
Canon is a better deal for your dollar. The benefit of the HoverCam is 
that it's easier to carry, if you plan to take it out a lot, and it's a 
little easier on your hands, if you have achy wrists and scan lots of books.


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