Scanner Recommendations?

Published 30 August 04 by Justin French, 2 comments

I never really need a scanner. Between digital cameras and professional photographers that supply everything on disk, I can think of only two occasions where I’ve needed a scanner since moving to OS X. Today is one of those occasions.

Prior to OS X, I had a UMAX Astra 2200 which worked fine, and even allowed transparency scans. But UMAX choose not to update their drivers, and none of the 3rd party drivers I’ve tried worked well, or were fairly priced.

I don’t need much…

1. Not UMAX
2. A4 size, with a minimal footprint and bulk (ie, as small as possible)
3. Firewire preferred, USB-1 acceptable (since I have spare Firewire ports, and no spare USB ports)
4. Seemless integration with Photoshop’s “Import” without having to save the file to disk first.
5. Seemless integration with OS X from a manufacturer who has a reputation for decent OS X software/hardware
6. Preferably powered by Firewire/USB, rather than powered by an external adapter/brick.

Any recommendations?