[maestro-steve]

I just bought a Umax 2100U, which I'm going to return. I installed the software and ran it on my kid's Windows computer, and installed the software on my Mac. The Mac software was a ported over version of the Windows version, and didn't run anywhere near as well. In addition, like most Windows programs, there were LOTS of small files placed all over the system folder and hard drive. The Mac version was not intuitive, crashed frequently, and just bloated.

I'm a Mac user since the 80's, understand software, extension, control panel conflicts, and took all that into consideration, re-installing software, re-configuring it, still worthless crap. I'm speaking specifically of Umax's Vistascan, which, in all recent versions, just stinks. I say all recent versions, because the version that came with the scanner was not the latest, didn't run well, so I downloaded a few different later versions, all stink, and the comments I later read on versiontracker.com from users seem to agree with my assessment.

Anyway, is there another scanner manufacturer that makes Mac-like software, not ported over from a Windows program? It would seem to me that most competitively priced scanners are similar hardware-wise, but the difference lies within the software.

Who has trouble-free scanning software?

Steve

[Evangellydonut]

Tried Epson? their 636U is relatively cheap, (MSRP US$150, retail US$120 or so) fast, and high quality USB scanner. If you don't have USB, they also have a model that's SCSI for a little more. I like the scanner very much, and emailed someone a lot of pictures of the drivers it came with, which he apparently liked and decided to buy one.

If I understand correctly, most scanner software are Twain-acquires, which come in the form of a plug-in to Photoshop, or photodelux, which is generally bundled with the scanner. If that's the case, I really don't see why there would be much of a "windows-mac" problem...

That's too bad! I have the 2100U and have never had any problems with it or the software. Sorry it didn't work out for you! Better luck with your next one! A friend has the Epson mentioned above and loves it too! Maybe you will have a better experience with it!

Hi, I just switched from a UMAX 2100U to an Agfa SnapScan e50...Combination is excelent, scanner is fast, quiet, 1200 dpi and scans transparencies and negatives right out of the box, all for $199 (there is also the cheaper e40, without the transparency adapter). The software is good, doesn't give ALL the control you might want, but it gives nice scans and it's simple and fast to use. It also has a resizable preview window, so you don't have to struggle with tiny thumbnails, like with Umax...

I recently sold my older UMAX 600S and bought the Microtek V6USL (rebate program just ended though) I liked the fact is has both USB and SCSI ports, so I can still count on using it with some future Macs. The ScanWizard software has a 'beginner' mode which is fairly basic, and option to switch to advanced mode, lots of tweaking. I also liked the fact that software bundle included OCR, and Photoshop LE (not photodeluxe). I have found the www.microtek.nl site to be best as far as web-site info/drivers/etc, and the .com site to be too confusing.
I have only had the scanner for 1 month, and not yet tested out the included photo negative adapter.
Only thing I didn't like was the software's desire to install the unneeded Appearance extension on my 9.04 G3 system.
They also include a PCI-SCSI card for PC, with an offer to mail in and get one for G4 systems.
- spaceman -
space2001@mac.com