Flatbed Scanner

[Lori Freeze]

Who has purchased a flatbed scanner recently? We're looking at Epsons. Any recommendations as to which model? Not a great deal of money on the line, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Tres]

Hey, Lori.

We are using two Microtek scanners in the communications division. I have had a ScanMaker 9800XL for over four years, and I have been very pleased. The software, ScanWizard, plugs into PhotoShop for a seamless import and it has a lot of nice features: a descreen feature that can be used when scanning a newspaper or magazine at numeours resolutions, a lot of filters, color correction, tone curve correction, etc.

Now that 9800 is a big scanner--it will go up to just over 11 x17--and you really pay for the extra scanning size, so someone without the need for a flatbed that big can get a much more reasonably priced scanner in the letter-legal range.

Debbie, our graphic designer is using a Microtek i800, and she swears by it. That one has a legal-size scanning surface and produces very nice scans, too.

I guess that puts me in the position of being able to recommend the brand.

[Angie]

We use Microtek as well. We didn't have the need for a large one, so we purchased the ScanMaker 5800. We have been very happy with it.