need scanner buying advice

[lupi]

Looking for advice on buying a scanner. The main thing it must have is the ability to scan a letter sized page of solid colored items. My previous now defunct unit could not do so at max dpi without the items looking like a water color vice the solid color of the actual item.
 
Advice/what other things should I look at?

 

[montag451]

Hi,
I use a Canoscan 8400F - friggin brilliant scanner - a bit on the pricey side.
I tried the Epson 4490 and sent that back - glad I did.

 

[MadAmos]

The canon 8600f works great for me and it is easy to find around $160.00 at many e-tailers When I bought mine it came with Adobe Elements 4 a nice bonus

Amos.

 

[zig3695]

i bought an epson perfection 2580, and while its output quality is fantastic and its speed is very good too, its way too LOUD for my liking. a nasty high-pitched squeal while its scanning. as far as i know, most scanners nowadays output very good results, so i think you really should go in store and use the display models, to see whats quiet and quick.