| For many who want to install a large format scanner, | | | | need frequent repairs, and the parts for it will no |
| a used one will do as satisfactorily as a brand new | | | | longer be available. So it is always good to opt for |
| one and at a much lower cost. Consider an | | | | scanners with a maintenance contract also included in |
| engineering firm that does all its design in CAD. It | | | | the buying price. If the scanner is for temporary use, |
| might still want to convert some of the older | | | | then the re-sale value should also be considered |
| drawings, or those obtained from other sources, to | | | | when making a choice. |
| digital form. A used scanner obtained from an | | | | The major attraction in buying a used scanner is the |
| authorized dealer with a warranty and maintenance | | | | lower cost involved; but this should not be at the |
| contract would fulfill this need much more | | | | expense of quality. Buying from reliable vendors who |
| economically than a new scanner, since the application | | | | are authorized by the manufacturers themselves |
| does not require the latest models. But an art | | | | ensures quality. Contex, Vidar, Graphtec and ACTion |
| museum, library or a reprographic center may opt for | | | | Imaging are some manufacturers who facilitate the |
| a new machine with the best resolution and image | | | | re-sale of their used scanners. Re-sale involves |
| quality. | | | | repairing the old scanner and making required |
| When going for a pre-owned scanner, care must be | | | | modifications to suit the present need. Standard |
| taken to ensure that the machine is compatible with | | | | accessories are also made available. When buying |
| computers and operating systems that are used | | | | used scanners, it is always advisable to buy it from a |
| today. For example, some of the old Contex | | | | dealer near you, since that will make the repair and |
| DOS-based scanners use a proprietary interface card | | | | maintenance easy, whenever necessary. |
| that is no longer available. Some of the old models will | | | | |