Canon CanoScan LiDE 300 vs Canon CanoScan LiDE 400

The LiDE 400 is the better pick for most people: it doubles the optical resolution to 4800 dpi and adds a stand for upright storage, while keeping the same slim flatbed design and single-cable USB power. The LiDE 300 is the cheaper-feeling entry model and still handles everyday documents, photos and book pages well. Both are bus-powered flatbeds with 48-bit color, and owners of both lines praise the simple setup and Canon's scan software; the 400's extra resolution is the real reason to step up.

• Choose the LiDE 300 if you mainly scan text documents, receipts and the occasional photo and want the simplest, lightest flatbed.
• Choose the LiDE 400 if you scan photos, slides or fine detail and want the higher 4800 dpi resolution and upright stand.