The attractive looks are undermined by average image quality, although it remains good value.

The Canon LiDE 20 strikes a balance between quality and price. The scanner is well designed, with Z-hinges combined and the space-saving ability to stand upright.

Another scanner to share the same software as the LiDE 20, Canon's 3000F boasts a jumbo sized Z-hinge for scanning of books and large bound documents helping to evenly light image scanning – great for students and perfect in conjunction with the quality results gained from the included OCR scanning software.

A nondescript looking scanner that admits to a 36-bit colour depth, enhanced to 48-bit through its drivers.

Not the most advanced scanner this month, featuring just two front shortcut buttons, the HP scan software is pure simplicity with many advanced options

An excellent balance of performance, features and image quality makes the V350 an amazingly flexible choice.

Next to the printer, flatbed scanners are proving the next most popular PC add-on. With confusing technical claims and price points starting from around $100, what sort of capabilities are you paying