Make sure the scanner you purchase includes software, the best of the bundled software being PhotoDeluxe , PhotoShop LE, or even the full version of PhotoShop. Although I purchased a UMAX for home, we purchased two Hewlett Packard IIC scanners for work. We spent the past two years designing Web sites for companies and needed the high-quality optics, speed, and reliability that HP delivers. You'll spend up to three times as much for an HP scanner, but it's worth it if you're serious. One confusing thing about scanners is resolution.
Resolution is simply the number of pixels per inch.
This is because your computer screen is only 90 dpi. If you want to print graphics you have scanned on your inkjet or laser printer, you'll need 300 dpi. If you're doing professional print work, you'll want at least 300 if not a higher resolution. Some scanners claim 2400 dpi, which is much more than you'll ever need. Be gentle with your scanner and be sure to read the manual.