[Mark was here]

I would like to get a scanner that would sit right on my home network, just like a networked printer (with an HP Jet Direct card) is able to do.

I don't think anything (excepting for the obvious) should hook up to the computer, it's so early 90's!

[TheRightGuy]

I would like to get a scanner that would sit right on my home network,

I believe HP has one with built in ethernet port in the $500 range including a 25 page document feeder.