Digital this, digital that. It can be hard to believe that there is anything that doesn't start from a digital file.

But look around your office -- plenty of stuff is still available only on paper. Getting it converted to a digital format has never been easier, though, as scanners have continued to advance.

Resolution and color

Your scans will have even better quality with resolutions as high as 1200 dots per inch (dpi) -- up from 400 and 600 dpi. This can make a big difference for detailed images or those that you want to enlarge to show detail.

Manufacturers are also touting 42- and 48-bit color scanners, meaning they can now translate images into trillions of colors. But is the touting worth it? Well, if you use your scanner to design most of your print marketing materials, it very well may be, especially at new lower prices.

But if you outsource this, or if most of your work is on the Internet, a 36-bit scanner should do just fine.

Small size

The latest scanners are also smaller, which is great if you plan to take your scanner on the road or if desktop space is at a premium. Quite a few weigh in at less than 5 pounds, with some barely tipping the scales at 3 pounds - about half their weight from just a couple years ago.

And unlike with laptops or flat-screen monitors, you don't have to sacrifice anything to take advantage of their portability and small size. You can have 600x1200 dpi resolution and 36-bit color -- sufficient for most small businesses -- in a 5-pound device.

For those who find space to be at a premium, scanners can also help you create electronic filing cabinets. To lessen an office's paper flow, just scan in your expense reports and file them on your computer or on removable media.

Beyond scanning

The newest scanners have also made integrating with other technologies much easier. Many scanners now allow you to scan images directly to email messages or to upload automatically to handheld devices.

Some also offer dual-port circuitry, so you can graduate to faster technology without replacing your equipment. That way, your scanner can truly be a long-term purchase.

Price

And how much extra will this latest batch of new and improved scanners cost you? Not much. Ranging in price from a little less than $100 -- sometimes around $50 with rebate offers -- all the way up to about $400, the price of flatbed scanners seems to have leveled off at that magic price point of about $129.

Instead of a big box that costs several hundred dollars, takes up most of your desktop, and doesn't do all that much, today's scanners are small, sleek high-tech machines that are becoming as multi-functional as your fax-copier combo.

If you've been waiting to invest in a scanner for while, you may find that there's really no need anymore.

Quick tips

Prioritize your needs.. Sometimes 42- and 48-bit color capabilities or higher than 600 dots-per-inch (dpi) resolution can cost you a bit extra, so don't get stuck paying for things you don't need or won't use. Software creates boundaries. Make sure the software you have supports the features of the scanner - like wide color ranges. SCSI connection? You may want to forego SCSI connections in favor of parallel or USB ports. You'll likely be getting technology that's older than you want, even if the price seems right.