Upgrading Scanner

[Janet]

Hi All
I am upgrading my scanner. I love the one that I have, paid $20.00 for it new a couple of years back, but feel there are probably better ones out there. I would like the ablity to scan negatives and slides, if possible as well as pictures.
Suggestions, please.

Janet

[Janet]

Hello
Just want some opinions on scanners. If you have a flat bed scanner and have used it for negatives and slides, please let me know if you recommend it or if you think there is a better one out there. The Epson 4870, at $450.00, the Epson 3170, less than $199.00, Epson 4180 about $250 seem good. Does anyone have these?

The 4870 comes with Ice and Silver Fast. I probably don't need these, but they look like interesting software. However, if their learning curve is high, I will probably not use them. Any opinions.

Any suggestions other than Epson? Do you know of anyplace that compares scanners?

The $450.00 seems a lot, but I paid $800.00 for my first Canon scanner so if it is worth it, I would go for it. I still like my $20.00 scanner, much better than the $800.00 one! and these other scanners don't seem to come with OCR and I love the software that came with the $20.00 one.



Thanks,
Janet

[Jack]

I've been considering the Canon CanoScan 9900f to replace my old UMAX Astra 2400S SCSI scanner. The UMAX is not supported under OS X on the Mac, and is showing several signs of age.

The 9900f has 3200x6400 DPI resolution. It also has a light lid for scanning 35mm slides, 4x4 etc. It has Firewire and USB 2 interfaces.

It has gotten rave reviews for excellent color quality.

It is currently avalable fo $335 from BUY.COM with free shipping. (List: $400)

Should I bite the bullet?

Jack

[Janet]

Hi Jack
Hopefully, some that own some of the newer scanners will speak up and help us with our decisions.
Janet

[Jack]

Janet,

I posted this query on the TechSurvivor's Bulletin Board (see below) and got a couple of replies. Now I'm leaning toward Epson scanners.

http://www.techsurvivors.net/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=6446&

Oops, it looks like the URL got truncated.

Go to techsurvivors.net, forums, Macintosh and look for the post: OT: Canon CanoScan 9900f scanner.

You might want to check it out.

Jack :)

[Janet]

Jack

Thanks for the link.

Are you using a Mac? I think the Epson has firewire for Mac but not windows. Not sure. If you get a new scanner, please post. I am very interested in the software and if it is user friendly by a casual, none tech type person.
The reviews at pricegrabber were very good for the Epson 4870. Long scan times were mentioned but since I am doing so few film scans, that won't be a problem. One mentioned that an OCR was included though I didn't see mention of it on the Epson website.


Janet

[Jack]

Hi Janet and all others that may be looking,

I ordered the Epson Perfection 4180 today from Amazon.com @ $236.65 with free shipping, plus an Epson $50 rebate.

I will attach it to my PowerMac Quicksilver 933MHz using USB.

I'll let you know how I like it.

It probably won't be here for a couple of weeks.

:) ing Jack