[LauraJ]

Hi everyone. I want to purchase a scanner and wanted to know who thinks is the best scanner for the imac?

Thanks.

[suprz]

the dec issue of macworld magazine had just his topic. they tested numerous scanners and the one that were rated highest were the afga model e20 and e40...unfortunately i cannot verify the results for i do not own a scanner...yet

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" I think,
therefore....IMAC

[Paul S]

I've had a Umax Astra 1220U USB scanner for about 3 years and it works great. I use it for many purposes. In some cases I'll scan in a photo (4x6) to reprint from my Epson Photo 870 printer in 8x10 size. The pictures turn out great. I have been very happy with this scanner. I have seen the 2100U for as little as $60 online with a $20 rebate that expires next month. For $40 you can't go wrong. I'm thinking of upgrading to that one so I can get 36 bit color.

[zigzag]

I've been very happy with the Epson Perfection 1200U. However, if I were buying again, I'd look for a machine with Photoshop LE instead of PhotoDeluxe. I think some of the newer Epson models come with it, as does the Canon 1200U. You can do a fair amount of retouching on PhotoDeluxe but it does have limitations. You can always get PhotoDeluxe, see if it meets your needs, and upgrade to Photoshop LE for $70 if you need more versatility.

Every magazine survey I've seen seems to get different results. Some like the Epsons, some the Canons, some the Agfas, etc. Check MacWorld, MacHome, MacAddict, PC World, PC Magazine. Maybe it depends on how much ad space gets purchased.

The Canons are cool because they're sleek and compact and can be stored on their sides. They use a different technology but still get excellent reviews.

[Cipher13]

I've got a Microtek ScanMaker X6, and its awesome. I'd highly recommend it. And PhotoShop too, of course. But that'd cost more than the scanner...
If you want REAL high quality, check out the MicroTek X12...

Cipher13

[tin indian]

Do Not buy a microtek scanner the software is crap the tech support non exsistant bought a 3600 and nothing but trouble and crashes

[LauraJ]

Thank you all. I am leaning towards the Umax Astra 4000. It comes with PhotoShop LE, Caere OmniPage LE and NewSoft Presto! Page Manager.

[zigzag]

Just to avoid confusion, the full version of Photoshop would cost a lot more than the scanner ($600 I believe), but Photoshop LE is a junior version of Photoshop that comes with a number of scanners and costs $70 separately ($100 less rebate). Considering that it includes virtually all of the features of Photoshop that an amateur would need, Photoshop LE is a great deal. But PhotoDeluxe may be all you need for occasional retouching.

Check the scanner purchaser comments at cnet.com and amazon.com in addition to the magazine reviews mentioned above.

[Hlecter]

I have a Canon FB-630U and I am very pleased with it. I agree, it's not very fast (USB), but the quality is good (for what I need), it was inexpensive and it is so slim that I can use it as a portable scanner.

The Agfa Snapscan 1212u runs awesome on my Imac. The sofware is easy to understand and the software does what you want it to do. good scanning and fast! The scanner can probably be had for 40-60 dollars

[rtdunham]

i've got a 1220U also, but be aware that the UMAX software is sometimes a problem. I believe it conflicts with iTunes. And an Adobe Tech told me that UMAX' MagicScan software, that comes with their better scanners, conflicts with Photoshop 6.0.

I'm actually looking for an alternative scanner now, because of the software conflicts (I've spoken to five UMAX techs...their service is great in that they're available and seemingly knowledgeable, but the solutions don't exist yet for the problems.

So I'd welcome recommendations for scanners in the $100-$300 price range, I'll be using on a Titanium PB G4 or a desktop 733 MHz G4, and the top criteria are: stability and compatibility.

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