Back in March I asked for scanner recommendations. My needs weren't terribly demanding and I got some good advice. The decision ultimately came down to the Canon CanoScan LiDE 500F and some of the more expensive HP models.

I decided that it'd be best to buy the Canon and return it if I didn't like it. Amazon.com had it in stock and it didn't cost and arm and a leg--under $150.

After having used it on documents, full-page magazine pages, and some old photos, I've decided that it's a keeper.

The Good

  • size: this thing is quite small
  • sound: the canon is very quiet when scanning
  • light weight: the glass isn't terribly thick and it uses LEDs rather than a bit fluorescent tube
  • speed: it scans documents faster than I expected

The Bad

  • the software: the canon "toolbox" is a little klunky and limited, but it's sufficient for scanning into PDF files or something I can toss into Photoshop or The Gimp

In summary, I'm quite happy with this scanner. For the little money I spent, it's more than I expected. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a USB scanner to handle occasional documents and photos.

Posted by jzawodn at May 08, 2005 06:43 PM

Reader Comments
# dan isaacs said:

If you are using this with your Windows laptop, try using XP's built-in scanner wizard. I find it suitable for most tasks.

on May 8, 2005 07:07 PM
# nixar said:

Does it work with Linux?

on May 12, 2005 03:15 AM
# Jeremy Zawodny said:

I don't know.

on May 12, 2005 07:24 AM
# Rich said:

unfortunately seems not to be supported by sane :
http://www.sane-project.org/unsupported/canon-canoscan-lide-500f.html

i almost bought one (somehow i was sure that canon would have put some effort to make sure that their scanners work in linux...), but fortunately checked this list.

on November 21, 2005 05:42 AM
# Steven said:

i bought a canon lide 500f about 1 1/2 years ago and hoped that a driver for linux will be available soon - but i've been disappointed

but that's the general approach of many hardware companies: they still don't care about linux users

on December 5, 2006 01:32 AM
# tony said:

jeremy can u please send the set-up files on the cd-rom that came with scanner? i have the same scanner n i have lost my cd.i will be grateful if u cud

on January 23, 2010 11:08 AM
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