WHAT'S HOT: The super-svelte Canon CanoScan N1240U boasts 1200-by-2400-dpi resolution and sharp, 48-bit-color images. Color scans produced accurate hues and minimal jagginess at 100 dpi (Web quality) and at the scanner's maximum (1200-dpi) optical resolution, but we noticed that the colors did not match the original, as though some color correction had happened within the driver. The front panel sports three quick-start buttons for scanning, copying, and e-mailing. Because it's powered by a Universal Serial Bus connection, the N1240U does not require a separate power supply or plug-in outlet. Live technical support is available six days a week.

WHAT'S NOT: Like other USB-powered scanners we've tested--where data transfer and power share the same cable--the N1240U's biggest weakness is slow performance. The N1240U's throughput of 169 kilobytes per second at maximum resolution (1200 dpi) ranks among the lowest of all small-office scanners we tested for our August 2002 comparison, and it took 1 minute and 40 seconds to complete the scan. The fastest small-office scanner took only 37 seconds to complete the same scan. The N1240U's lack of add-on accessories, such as a transparency adapter or automatic document feeder, limits its flexibility.

WHAT ELSE: The CanoScan N1240U owes its slimness to contact-image sensor technology. The formidable software bundle includes two image editors (Adobe Photoshop Elements, an excellent image editor for both novice and intermediate users, and ArcSoft PhotoStudio 2000), an image-management application (ArcSoft PhotoBase 2.1), and a powerful optical character recognition tool (the full version of ScanSoft OmniPage Pro 9).

UPSHOT: The Canon CanoScan N1240U would be a reasonable choice for small-office or home users who plan to scan mostly photos and don't need to scan transparencies or use an ADF for high-volume document scanning.

SUMMARY

Canon CanoScan N1240U USB 1.1, 1200 by 2400 dpi, 10.1 by 15.1 by 1.3 inches (width by depth by height), 3.3 pounds, 8.5-by-11.7-inch scanning area; no optional transparency adapter or automatic document feeder. One-year parts and labor warranty; free technical support six days a week (16 hours on weekdays, 8 hours on Saturday; calls are not toll-free). $149 800/652-2666 www.usa.canon.com/consumer