Anyone know any differences between these Epsons?

[Icepick]

I'm in the market for a scanner. This will be the first scanner I've ever owned. My goal is to scan in old color and black and white photos into the PC. I also want to scan a large collection of negatives. I'm under the impression that the Epson line will give the best overall quality for photos (correct me if I'm wrong.) I "might" want to scan text documents in the future but my primary focus is on photos.

On Newegg I saw these two Epson Perfection scanners:
3490 - $88

and 3590 - $131.99.

I don't see much difference between these two based on the Newegg descriptions. Can anyone tell me why one is more expensive than the other? Is there any reason to go with the more expensive model?

If anyone knows of a better quality scanner at this price point I'm all ears.

I won't spend more than $150 for whichever scanner I buy.

Thanks!

 

[Slicedbread]

If your scanning negatives go with the 3590, as far I see the only difference between the two is that the 3590 has an automatic film loader.

3590
3490

 

[Madwand1]

The 3590 has an auto 35mm film loader. If it works, and doesn't put the negatives at much risk, then it'd easily be worth the price -- the biggest problem with scanning is time, and if you can automate some of that, you have a hope of getting your "large collection of negatives" scanned; otherwise, you probably won't have the time / patience.

If you're "serious" about scanning, most people would advise you to get a dedicated film scanner -- there are many available for 35mm, some with auto-loaders. But don't let that stop you from very easily getting your feet wet with an Epson flatbed.

BTW, check out Wayne Fulton's http://www.scantips.com/
and Neat Image: http://www.neatimage.com/

 

[Icepick]

Thanks for the input guys! If the "only" difference between the two is the auto loader as you say then the better price/performance for my use might be had from the 3490. It seems that both models use the same components otherwise and will give identical quality.