High-Quality Flatbed Scanners for Mac: Do They Exist?

[multiforce]

Hey everyone-

this is actually my first post here, so, hi. I recently purchased a Macbook Pro, and I've been looking around for a good-quality, flatbed scanner for it that will be capable of uploading some images and scans of objects to work with in photoshop. I make screenprints and stencils, and scanning has become an important part of the art I make. I've always has access to flashy art facilities and collectives that had zillions of dollars worth of high-end equipment, but I just built my own studio, and I need one for less than, say, $400, for individual use. Which I think is still a lot of budget for a scanner!

So far, I have seen very few reviews that don't discuss the scanner-in-question's software incompatibilities with Snow Leopard. Epson seems to be well-respected for picture quality, but when it comes to operation inside the mac universe, it's a problem. Canon gets the same rap, although less so. The scanners offered of the Apple Store website all seem to be lower-grade, and people have complained about compatibility issues in the reviews there.

Is anyone aware of a good-quality scanner for Mac that works SMOOTHLY with the software?!

That would be a huge help!!

best,
Multiforce.

 

[JesterJJZ]

I have a Canon LIDE 600F, works great and was under $200 if I remember correctly.

 

[gr8tfly]

I'm using a many-year-old (I can't remember, honestly) Epson 1660 with Snow Leopard's built-in scanning software - it works flawlessly. I also have the option of still using Epson's own software. I imagine newer scanners have at least the same usability.

I haven't tried automatic slide scanning yet with SL, but again, I still can use Epson's, if necessary.

 

[multiforce]

I'm using a many-year-old (I can't remember, honestly) Epson 1660 with Snow Leopard's built-in scanning software - it works flawlessly. I also have the option of still using Epson's own software. I imagine newer scanners have at least the same usability.

I haven't tried automatic slide scanning yet with SL, but again, I still can use Epson's, if necessary.

It does seem like Epson is the way to go. Elsewhere I learned about downloading the Snow Leopard drivers right off the Epson website, and apparently that really does the trick. I'm picking one of these up. Thanks!!