Flat bed Scanner for Mac, which one?

[vkapoormd]

can anyone recommend a decent flatbed scanner for a Mac; something on the cheaper end preferably; i need to scan some photos, not much in the way of slides or negatives (rarely) or text based documents. Also need to calibrate my Monaco Ez color photo software. I have a Brother MFC 4 in 1 which i use for laser printing, copying and faxing. when i try to use the scan functions, i can get one page, and then it crashes.

 

[Peyote]

I am partial to the Epson Perfection line. Pretty reasonably priced too.

 

[iGary]

I have been having a problem finding a non-USB 2.0 scanner as my G4 does not have it, and I have heard horror stories with USB 2.0 PCI cards...

Since most of the Canons do not list a power cord in the box, what is one to do?

 

[seamuskrat]

I really like the Canon LIDe series. Its POWER OVER USB (1 or 2).

These scanners are small, and do a decent job and are priced right. I also like the Epson Perfection line.
As for the power with Canon issue, they only need a USB cable. Fear not, USB 2 works with USB 1, just slower.
On that note, I have a PCI USB 2 card in 2 different machines and I have never had an issue. Its a generic PC USB 2 card as well. Worked out of the box.

I have been having a problem finding a non-USB 2.0 scanner as my G4 does not have it, and I have heard horror stories with USB 2.0 PCI cards...

Since most of the Canons do not list a power cord in the box, what is one to do?

 

[iGary]

I really like the Canon LIDe series. Its POWER OVER USB (1 or 2).

These scanners are small, and do a decent job and are priced right. I also like the Epson Perfection line.
As for the power with Canon issue, they only need a USB cable. Fear not, USB 2 works with USB 1, just slower.
On that note, I have a PCI USB 2 card in 2 different machines and I have never had an issue. Its a generic PC USB 2 card as well. Worked out of the box.

So enough power can be supplied over a USB 1.1 connection?

 

[seamuskrat]

I use a LIDe 30 on USB with no problems.

So enough power can be supplied over a USB 1.1 connection?

 

[EJBasile]

I own the canon LiDE 40- works great- I love it. I purchased it for $80 about 8 monthes ago . A few days ago I saw it at staples for $49.xx.

 

[Peyote]

I installed a USB 2.0 card in my Quicksilver with no problems at all...I think it was about $13 at CompUSA. Besides, you can use a USB 1.0 device on USB 2.0 ports with no problem after the upgrade...It was definately worth it for me anyway just to have more ports and more options

Every design studio I've worked at has used an epson scanner

 

[DJY]

As a recent switcher I'm also going to have to upgrade my scanner...

I have a HP SCANJET 5370C...
haven't tried hard yet - but initially doesn't work in the PB.
Downloaded an older file from HP but still nothing...
I have a 17 1.5GHz PB running 10.3.5

 

[Les Kern]

I really like the Canon LIDe series. Its POWER OVER USB (1 or 2).

These scanners are small, and do a decent job and are priced right. I also like the Epson Perfection line.
.

I agree. I think the LiDe 30 and the N670U are the most trouble free scanners I've ever used. In fact, they have NEVER failed even once. And the Canon drivers are updated a lot, so no trouble at all with Panther.

 

[TommyC]

I havent had it long but so far I have had good luck with the canon LIDe 80. it's not the cheapest (about $180 CAD=$135US) but it has a few advantages over the other models I looked at (LIDe 20,30)

1)USB 2.0 - I believe the other models only have usb 1.1. I only use usb 1.1 so far (have dual G4 1.25) but I wanted the usb2.0 for when I add an expansion card

2) Photoshop elements - I cant speak to the quality of the QARE software that comes with the other models but elements is a great program

3) film/negative adapter - havent tried this yet but I have a bunch of old negatives to go through so I thought this might help.

Another nice thing about the entire LIDe series is what Canon calls the "Z-lid" the cover of the scanner has a hinge so that it can be raised to fit bigger items a little easier.

I didnt investigate other brands like epson since I fell in love with the idea of having the scanner powered via USB since my power strip doesnt have much room left. Also the LIDe models are small enough that you could take it travelling with a laptop without too much trouble