Purchased last year, the scanner feature compares to the single-function HP 3970 for $103, comes embedded with the printer, for $488 and is built substantially. The machine is beautifully designed, very sleek and professional with a dark gray case and silver metallic trim. The control station is handsome, clear in its layout, and when the scan process is selected, the LCD display helps the user make specific decisions about the scan quality and disposition. The product is excellent and has been used as an email file and fax for official business. The scan element is a CIS Optical Resolution 2400 x 4800 dpi, and makes fine quality prints. The legibility and color is of high-level quality, particularly for a non-professional machine. The item to be scanned can be placed in one of two ways: inserted into the automatic document feeder, or placed on the flatbed. The copy can be printed by the machine, saved as a .pdf, photo file, or incorporated into another program. The versatility of function is what makes this machine so valuable. The Canon is a reliable office worker, always ready to perform its tasks admirably. The only time it fails to perform is when there is an "operator malfunction". As long as paper is loaded properly, and in the right place, this machine performs its job with ease. The time it takes to perform the scan is within acceptable limits and the product is always suitable for use. The machine's performance is more than acceptable. It has been tested in various ways from scanning book pages to something as small as a driver's license. It did take a few instances to learn how to achieve the desired results, but with the help of a clearly written manual, they became more predictable.