We bought this product to scan huge collection of family photos and snapshots. The product works well with either the software actuation or the auto scan button actuation. Although we had intended to use the product for photos and snapshots, it produces nice pdf files also.
I use a scanner for home use. I got this to replace an old canon "LIDE 50" that has served me well over the years but recently died . So I got a LIDE 300..
I could not be happier with it II scans fast . Color photos are scanned accurately..
Be sure to use the Scan utility "IJ Scan Utility" that is installed during set up. It's great and stupid simple to use. By default, the scanner's buttons are set up for black and white documents .
For home use, the LIDE 300 is all you need. BTW, I'm using it on Windows 7
The scanner captures the line art I created very well and had more than enough detail for me to refine it nicely in Photoshop. I also scanned over a hundred pages for a PDF file, which it handled fine. No overheating or lag. I have only used the IJ Scan Utility and have not yet tested the buttons on the physical scanner.