cost effective and simplest way is a scanner. I am not sure what method you will employ to acquire a scanner (i.e., in store or catalogue/on-line mail order) but if you cannot see that it is a "flat bed" scanner, do NOT make the purchase! There are 2 types of scanners (and if this is an over simplification, I apologize, but this may be new to other readers) a flat bed scanner and sheet feed scanner.

Only a flat bed scanner will work with chips.

I will also stress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The newer, super-low cost scanners do NOT do a good job with certain chip colors (orange, hot pink and a few other "flourescent-type colors). Unless someone here on TheChipBoard tells you a specific scanner model handles the color, do NOT assume that a scanner will (at any price). If you are shopping in-store, take some chips with you (hot-orange, hot-pink, hot-green are a must) and have the sales person provide a test scan. If they say they can't because it's not hooked up to a computer, see if it also functions as a copy machine and print a page. If these things cannot be performed, do NOT make the purchase.

I now have two low-cost all-in-one machines that cannot reproduce the hot colors!

Jim