Every now and then, you come across a piece of technology that leaves you perplexed. You know you want it, but you’re not quite sure why. Then, one day, you find yourself sitting in front of a blank screen, with no idea what to do next. That’s when you know you’ve found the right tool.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re an experienced user, when it comes to buying technology to enhance your creativity, you’ll come across multiple products. Each one with their perks and quirks, and you’ll wonder which one to choose. What’s more, you’ll often find that the tool you want isn’t exactly what you need, and vice versa. We’re here to help you sort through the clutter and find the perfect piece of technology for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of three separate yet essential components of creative technology: scanners, software, and displays.
Scanners
For many designers and photographers, a scanner is a vital tool for digitizing paper. Whether you’ve got a collection of old newspapers or magazines you’d like to convert to digital form, or you’ve got a series of old illustrations you’d like to turn into a colorful image, a scanner is the way to go. There are a variety of scanners out there, so find one that works well with your particular needs and stick with it. If you’re just getting started or are looking for a versatile tool, take a look at our list of top 10 scanners for designers.
Software
As the name suggests, software is what makes a scanner “software-enabled”. Depending on your hardware, you may require additional software to be able to use all the scanner’s capabilities. For example, if your scanner happens to be connected to a computer, you’ll need to install a scanner driver from the manufacturer to be able to use all the features of the device. In addition to that, you’ll need software such as Adobe Photoshop to be able to do any kind of digital image manipulation.
Displays
If you’re a photographer, you’ll need the right display to be able to see your amazing photos in all their glory. When it comes to choosing a display, you want to look for something that’s large, yet lightweight, has a high contrast ratio, and is bright enough to view images easily. When you find the right display, all the elements on your computer, from the software you use to the scanner you choose, will come together to enhance your creative output.
To help you find the right piece of technology for your needs, we’ve put together a master list of everything to consider before buying. Take a look and you’ll know which one to choose.
Key Points
Before buying any piece of creative technology, you must first decide how important or necessary the tool is to your work. If you’re not sure, ask other professionals in your field for opinions and find out what they say. If you decide the item is vital, it’s a must to invest in quality equipment. Also, try to find a used item if possible, as you’ll be supporting a small business if you do. Buying a new piece of equipment will also make you consider upgrading your existing equipment, so it’s often a win-win situation.