[djmpower]

I am looking for a scanner to use with OS X 10.4 to simply scan text documents into my computer. I have had terrible experiences with the included software supplied with scanners in the past. Thus, I am looking for a scanner that does not require me to install applications/drivers that slow down my computer, etc. I would like a scanner that will work with OS X Image Capture since it should meet my needs and allow me to use the scanner without installing additional software and drivers from manufacturers.

I went to the Image Capture website but the compatibile scanner page is confusing. Do all modern Epson scanners work out of the box with OS X and image capture (no need to install any drivers/software)? What about the Canon Scanners - can you simply install a TWAIN driver (which does not launch on startup and slow down the computer) and use the scanner with Image Capture natively?

I like the size of the Canon LiDE 500F, but am confusesd what I will need to install to make it work with image capture and whether the drivers will need to load on startup and slow down the machine or if the TWAIN driver is merely like a regular printer driver (accessed when needed and does not slow down the computer).

Any recommedations would be greatly appreciated - I am not an expert when it comes to scanning.

Thanks

[lkrupp]

I can recommend any of the Canon LiDE series. They are powered by the USB bus, no power block to plug in. As you so accurately point out the supplied software usually sucks really bad and Canoscan Toolbox is no different. However Mac users now have a superb, first-rate scanner application that will make you smile. It's called VueScan by Hamrick Software. I am using a Canon LiDE 80 scanner and Vuescan and have never been more pleased. Vuescan supports literally hundreds of scanners. The Canon LiDE 80 driver works very well with OS X 10.4.3, no noticeable performance hit.