The short answer is that even if you could get your dog to lie still on a scanner, the idea of scanning your dog is pretty irresponsible and not recommended. But this raises the question – “What can you scan?”
Entry-Level Flatbed Scanners
If you are looking to use your scanner to scan something simple, such as a sheet of text, a document for filing or a simple photograph to e-mail, include in an electronic document or a presentation – an entry-level flatbed scanner would be perfect for the task. These scanners are usually very simple and do the basics well – but for heavier-use a sheet-fed scanner is more appropriate.
Mid-Range Flatbed Scanners
If you need to use your scanner to scan something more detailed, such as photographs or documents where you would like to ensure an accurate colour reproduction – then a mid-range flatbed scanner with a higher resolution will give you the results you are looking for. The scanners have more functionality, and reproduce colour detail very well – and are often available with up to a high quality 48-bit internal colour depth and 4800dpi.
Advanced Flatbed Scanners
If you wish your scanner to scan everything from high-quality photo and document scanning to three-dimensional objects, from performing 35mm film-scanning to turning your negatives to digital images – an advanced photo scanner with high-resolution will deliver what you need. The scanners have vast array of functionality and are available as A4 and A3, with high quality 48-bit internal colour depth and up to 96000dpi. They are also not as expensive as you would imagine, and are often available with a double-hinge designed lid – then it is possible to scan thicker documents, books and small three-dimensional objects (but not your dog).
Scanners may have been around for almost 100 years – but the developments over the last five years have seen scan quality rapidly increase, whilst making it more affordable to have within the home as well as the office. Today’s flatbed scanners have more functions and features, to make your scanning experience simpler and easier – from scanners zero warm-up times, 3 second previews, 1 second scans and auto scan, to those with built-in film adaptors and the ability to scan to e-mail and searchable PDFs.
It was thought that the growth of digital photography and imaging would see the decline of the flatbed scanner – but the ability to scan negatives and 35mm film to preserve memories, the need to scan and archive more documents electronically, and the need to have scanned documents available to e-mail or post on the web – the flatbed scanner has become now become more important in the modern home and office than ever before.