Microtek ScanMaker i900 Flatbed Scanner

Check in:

By martinprinting 03/08/2006
Pros:
Solid build quality, hi-res scans, reflective AND transparent scan beds (!), good accessories, GREAT software bundle.
Cons:
You're a bit limited on the total size of transparency you can scan (about 8x10), scanner a bit sluggish at high scan resolutions.
Summary:
What a bargain! I'm really impressed so far. With the quality, features, and accessories included with the i900, I can't believe it's as cheap as it is. For a Firewire/Hi-Speed USB scanner, this thing can't be beat at its price point. Kudos, Microtek!

By photojim 04/09/2005
Pros:
HIghly accurate scans. Second only to a film scanner for scanning negatives and slides.
Cons:
Slow scan speeds.Needs a carrier for strips of 120 film as most photographers do not store this film as individual negatives.
Summary:
This is my third scanner.I had a little problem getting the PC to recognize the scanner. My call for tech service was answered in less than a minute and the technician stayed with me about 30 minutes diagnosing and solving the problem.The scanning of negatives without glass intervening permits very sharp scans.I am very pleased with my purchase.

By robinzson 10/22/2004
Pros:
High-quality scans, both color and b/w...Interchangable trays for scanning transparencies and slides 8.5" x 14" scans...Great software and support: both Silverfast Ai AND ScanWizard Pro 7.1
Cons:
Relatively slow scan speeds, could be faster...Scanning mechanism sometimes locks up at the end of hi-rez color scans, forcing you to re-start scanner.
Summary:
Overall, the ScanMaker i900 is a great scanner... you get a lot for what you buy, especially if you purchase it from one of the lower-priced (but reputable) dealers. The high-quality color and b/w images you get, as well as the multiple transparency trays for scanning slides, 3x5 images or even 8.5 x 11 transparencies is invaluable, and makes it perfect for professional artists and designers, like myself. Plus, it's pretty sturdy. The only downsides are the relatively slow speeds of the scans (but, faster speed may mean lesser quality) and the high-pitched sound sometimes created when you're scanning hi-rez color images: the scanning mechanism can lock up at the end of the scan, forcing you to turn the scanner off and then back on again. Your original scan will still come out, but it's annoying to have to restart the scanner everytime this occurs. Overall, I recommend the ScanMaker i900. Don't waste your money on cheaper products that won't do half as much. If you're a professional artist or designer, you'll get a lot of satisfaction from this machine, and relatively few headaches.