Microtek 9700, 9800; or flatbed scanner, 11x17, USB 2?

[Peter Abrahams]

The prices for the Microtek Scanmaker 9800XL ($1110.) and 9700XL ($1000.)
have brought 'large' format (11" x 17") scanning within possibility for me.
Are these well-regarded by users? (My particular need includes scanning
old photographs with very limited contrast).
Are there any on-line reviews?

I would need USB-2 interfaces, not standard with these models.

Is there a flatbed scanner, with the capacity to scan about 11 by 17
inches, that uses USB 2 as an interface?
Or are the SCSI-2 to USB adapter cables usable in this circumstance?
thanks
Peter

 

[mp]

Quality varies dramatically on Microtek scanners overall.

If you get a good one, they are very good. No service to speak of so
you are on your own if there are issues.

The Epsons are wildly over-priced. Either that or large format users
have very deep pockets and don't mind getting fleeced.

The general rule at this price point is the marketing hype has long-ago
surpassed any actual relationship to the performance of the scanner no
matter the brand.

On the very high-end they are more honest, but you have to know exactly
what it is you want the scanner to do.

Good luck.

 

[theo]

I would need USB-2 interfaces, not standard with these models.
These scanners have USB 1.1 and SCSI 2 ports, and your computer backplate
has USB 2 host, I surmise. Your computer OS should recognize the
scanner's USB 1.1 and slow down the bidirectional data stream. Even if
you should use cable labeled as USB 2, (and your eye cannot see the
difference in the 1.1 vs 2.0 wire or terminals) the peripheral and host
will handshake at the 1.1 rate. This will save you a couple of quid for
the PCI SCSI card you don't need to buy.
Regards,
Theo

 

[Lorenzo J. Lucchini]

These scanners have USB 1.1 and SCSI 2 ports, and your computer
backplate has USB 2 host, I surmise. Your computer OS should recognize
the scanner's USB 1.1 and slow down the bidirectional data stream.
Even if you should use cable labeled as USB 2, (and your eye cannot see
the difference in the 1.1 vs 2.0 wire or terminals) the peripheral and
host will handshake at the 1.1 rate. This will save you a couple of
quid for the PCI SCSI card you don't need to buy.

Wouldn't a SCSI be a little faster, though?
(Well, I suppose it depends on the scanner's own scanning speed)

by LjL
(e-mail address removed)