Compatibility with Dual Core Macs

[webntweb]

Hi

I am new to this group so apologies in advance for any mistakes in
protocol etc.

I am considering buying either the Epson 4990 or Canon 9950F, I need a
flatbed for my work but also I have over 4,000 colour slides to
digitize. My first thoughts were for the Epson but after reading
various reports that the removal of slides from the holder was fiddly
and there could be a danger of scratching the glass I looked for other
scanners. The Canon seems to be a similar quality plus I believe it now
comes with SilverFast like the Epson.
My worry is about compatibility/availability of drivers etc with my
iMac dual core running system 10.4. - I phoned Canon technical who
said there were a few incompatibilites but weren't too clear as to
what they were.
I would be grateful for any input or opinions between the two scanners
and particularly about any known incompatibility issues.

p.s. anyone know of any other similar scanners or if any of the above
are being upgraded/replaced soon.

best regards

webntweb

 

[HvdV]

My worry is about compatibility/availability of drivers etc with my
iMac dual core running system 10.4. - I phoned Canon technical who
said there were a few incompatibilites but weren't too clear as to
what they were.

Is that a new Intel based Mac? If so better make 100% sure a port is already
available. FWIW, I didn't see anything about it in the Silverfast version
history.

-- hans

 

[webntweb]

Yes, intel based. Sorry not quite sure what you mean about "a port is
already available", but at least one reseller is selling the 9950F
bundled with Silverfast.

Roy

 

[HvdV]

Yes, intel based. Sorry not quite sure what you mean about "a port is
already available", but at least one reseller is selling the 9950F
bundled with Silverfast.

The Intel-based Macs were just recently introduced, and not even over
the complete product line. Other Macs do not have Intel Pentium family
processors, but PowerPC processors from IBM. To have software run 'natively'
on the Intel harware it must *at least* be recompiled, likely there are other
problems. And then tested, packaged with the PPC executables into so called
'fat' binaries, in short work and problems for the software manufacturer. The
alternative is to run current PPC binaries in an emulator on the Intel
hardware, not a recipe for speed, better use an old PC instead.
I wouldn't be surprized if the software which comes with the scanner is for
the PPC Macs, not the Intel Macs.

Hope this helps, Hans

 

[webntweb]

Very useful info, thanks very much.

I will keep an eye on this group for any future relevant discussions.

Roy

ps. can anyone suggest any other groups/websites where such info is
usually available.