Setting up the scanner itself was a breeze. We installed and loaded the software in about 25 minutes. Then, we hot-plugged the scanner (kept the computer on while connecting the scanner) into our PC's USB port. In fact, we recommend that you keep your PC on, as the scanner driver software displays short video snippets that clearly demonstrate how to perform each step. On our computer screen, we watched actual human hands setting up an actual scanner.

The ScanJet's oversized quick-installation poster was cumbersome for us to unfold and follow. Also, there is no printed user's guide, so if you have questions, you'll have to consult the extensive electronic version on the CD-ROM.

In our tests of the 5300Cse, we scanned documents into text. The scanner was also quick enough that we could use it simply as a copier and could send an image directly to our printer. With a simple click, you can attach images to e-mail or send them via fax.

Hewlett- Packard makes other models similar to the ScanJet 5300Cse, some complete with an automatic sheet feeder and some with a transparency adapter, but what we found compelling about the 5300Cse is its simplicity. This scanner is a good, solid flatbed model, unencumbered with gadgetry that may not be applicable to many users' needs. With its 1,200 dpi resolution, the 5300Cse does a beautiful job of scanning text and photographs and making copies--the tasks we think you'll care about most. --David Greenberger

Pros:

• Dependable, fast, slim design

Cons:

• Cumbersome oversized setup instruction sheet

The HP ScanJet 5300Cse color scanner is built around HP's Intelligent Scanning Technology, which automatically identifies and optimizes text, line art, and color images. It also sets the correct resolution, bit depth, and file format for each element on the page. Touch-button operation simplifies tasks, providing one-step access to scan, copy, e-mail, and fax functions.

The HP 5300Cse scans directly into your applications--you can even add a multipage document as a single attachment. Simply click on a photo, text, or drawing and change its size or type. Improve the look of reports, proposals, or newsletters with the included image editor. Scanned images are optimized for the Internet, and multiple file formats are supported for use on the Web, allowing you to communicate using e-mail and Web pages with Web-creation and e-mail applications.

BUT, this becomes more than just an annoyance if you're scanning art. There are only two options for contrast prior to scanning: 'auto-sharpen image' or 'don't sharpen'. If you don't sharpen, every image looks muddy, awful, and unacceptable. If you sharpen, images with shading look awful. (it turns a softly shaded section into hideous patches of color) IMPORTANT: You can not fix this in any image editor! I have Adobe Photoshop, the industry standard image editor costing hundreds of dollars. I've tried to decrease contrast and increase brightness, scale down the picture slightly with bicubic resampling, and use the blur filter. I've also tried scanning it larger and shrinking it later. Nothing works!

Colored or B/W pencil works end of looking the worst. It's not that you just lose some of the original's quality, it's that they look awful. I wish I could show you an example but no links are allowed in reviews.