Epson Expression 1600 Artist

WHAT'S HOT: If you want the Cadillac of corporate scanners, the Epson Expression 1600 Artist is it. This impressive, if pricey, powerhouse features high resolution (1600 by 3200 dpi) and the fastest performance of the bunch. Tested with its SCSI interface, the Expression 1600 scanned a 5-by-7-inch color photo at 600 dpi in less than 1 minute. Handsome image quality, good color accuracy, and an excellent software bundle (including Xerox TextBridge Classic OCR, Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE, Presto PageManager, Adobe Acrobat 4.0, and color-calibration software) round off this premier package.

WHAT'S NOT: This hefty, well-constructed scanner, weighing 18.7 pounds, is not exactly portable. At $899, the Epson Expression 1600 Artist is the most expensive unit on the corporate chart.

WHAT ELSE: Although the scanner supports both USB and SCSI, no SCSI card or cable is included. An optional transparency adapter ($299), with a maximum scanning area of 8.5 by 11.7 inches, allows you to take full advantage of the scanner's high resolution--enlarging 35mm slides, for example. You can also use the Expression 1600 for high-volume optical character recognition work with an optional, 30-sheet automatic document feeder ($499). The scanner is also available in other configurations: a Special Edition model ($799) that comes with minimal software; a Pro model ($1099) bundled with the transparency adapter; and a Pro FireWire model ($1399) that comes with the transparency adapter and a FireWire card and cable.

BEST USE: This formidable scanner is an excellent choice for corporate design or graphics departments that need a top-drawer model capable of fast performance and great-looking images. With its add-on options, you can turn the Epson Expression 1600 Artist into a complete scanning solution.

SUMMARY

Epson Expression 1600 Artist USB and SCSI, 1600 by 3200 dpi, 13.0 by 22.2 by 5.2 inches (width by depth by height), 18.7 pounds, 8.5-by-11-inch scanning area, optional transparency adapter and automatic document feeder. One-year warranty; 12-hour weekday support. $899 800/463-7766 www.epson.com