Why are scanners with document feeders so expensive?

[slackerinabox]

So I noticed that all the decent scanners with automatic document feeders cost $400+ (there's a P.O.S. microtek one for >$200) - why are they so expensive? I've seen multifunctional devices by HP and Brother that have automatic document feeders and cost less than $300 - any reason I shouldn't just get one of those? I mean, I already have a nice printer but I feel weird paying $100 more for LESS features.

 

[AndrewR]

DON'T GET A BROTHER! While the features are nice, and print quality is decent (haven't used it for photos, just b&w and color text docs), scan quality is ok, but the ink dries out ridiculously fast, necessitating cleaning constantly. And, when you use up the ink rapidly because you're cleaning it all the time, the cartridges are expensive. I really wanted to like this machine and did some research before buying, but I've been disappointed. I'm getting a laser multifunction when we get back to the States.

HP's ink is expensive as well. I just bought a Canon photo printer (iP4000 -- awesome!!), and the ink on it is relatively cheap and has separate color tanks (like the Brother, but cheaper!). I know they have some multifunctions but not sure about document feeders. Seriously consider a laser though unless you absolutely need color output.

 

[mugs]

I've been happy with the scan quality of my Brother multifuntion that I got for $100 after rebate. Ink tanks are only $4 for generics on the Internet.