[MikeM32]

I know HP had one at one time, but only for the PC platform. I realize this may be a tad off-topic also for this particular forum, but I'm looking for input from graphics pro's particularly those working in a production environment. Besides I'm not 100% certain how great HP scanners are. I'm looking for a mid range scanner under about $1000.00 in price.

I'm trying to find a solution for my workgroup at work that would allow all our workstation systems access to a single scanner. The ideal would be a scanner that could just connect to an ethernet hub like our many printers do, and be accessed from each Graphics system when required by it's user.

Currently we have one system connected to an older Epson 800 scanner, and it's the only system we can scan on. I've considerred using a switch-box, but would forego this option if I can find a real Mac compatable Ethernet Scanner.

AS you can imagine it's a real pain to have to ask whoever is working on this system to stop what he or she is doing to scan something for someone else. I'd also considerred a "dedicated" scanning system, but would rather see if there's something that could be networked.

Anyone have any ideas?

Mike

I've worked and managed a graphic arts scanning department for many years, and have yet to hear of an ethernet-connected scanner.

The most productive solution would be to find a cheap mac (it doesn't have to be fast because the scanning process is intrinsically slow and completely hogs the computer's resources) to connect to the scanner and use file sharing to distribute the files. By having only one station doing the scans, it's also easier to tweak that one single monitor for colour correctness than it is to try to get the whole workgroup on one standard. You can also continue to work on your main workstation while your final scan is being done on the scan station.