USB 2.0 Flatbed Scanner - Less than $150 Recommendations

[drwoo123]

Can anyone recommend a good USB 2.0 or 1394 Firewire Scanner that would be less than $150. I had a Plustek OpticPro 9636T and it was alright, but not very good and Ive decided that I'm going to get a decent brand this time around, I think I just got suckered when I bought it about 4 years ago. I'm looking to upgrade. I've heard of some scanners that have automated picture feeders that can take pictures and automatically scan. An accessory like this would be great as an add on in the future but right now I'm on a budget.


Requirements

1. USB 2.0 or 1394 Connectivity for Speed
2. Major Brand - IE HP, Epson etc.
3. $150 or below (preferably below)
4. Windows XP and Redhat Linux support (linux isnt so important but would be nice)
5. Attachments such as picture feeders or etc. available aftermarket (again not a make or break issue but if I can get it then why not).


Thanx in advance everyon

 

[drwoo123]

Also as a side note - has anyone had the 9636T and all of a sudden it won't turn on anymore. I am not getting the light turning on so I'm not getting power. B/C I'm not getting power the system wont detect it at all.

I'm running WinXP pro and just formatted the system 2 days ago. Does the light coming on depend on the software - I'm pretty sure the scanner should be fine but just won't turn on damn thing. I tried connecting it to another machine that hasn't been formatted with the exact same results. I tried both the supplied drivers and the ones available HERE.

 

[Super6]

Check out Epson models.

Super6

 

[Dogsbody]

I'd recommend one of the Canon models.

 

[drwoo123]

Any specific models - that would be most helpful - as far as brands go I'm considering Epson, HP, Canon. I've seen CNET already but noting amazing there. Is there any site out there that does reviews of this kind of stuff sort of like http://www.dpreview.com or like Tom's hardware.


thanx again

 

[pilgrim2u]

scanner software can be crucial if you are scanning pictures.

some software makes the skin tones great, and some foggy, blurry.

 

[drwoo123]

So anything in particular that you can recommend - I am looking at the Epson Perfection 1660 and the Epson Prefection 2400 Photo and the CanoScan D1250U2F. Anyone with experience please speak up.