WHAT'S HOT: The Microtek ScanMaker 4700, a 42-bit, 1200-by-2400-dpi Universal Serial Bus scanner, offers excellent performance and features. In the maximum-resolution color test, for instance, the ScanMaker 4700 achieved a throughput of 562 kilobytes per second. The 4700's features include five quick-start buttons: Scan, Copy, E-Mail, Cancel, and Custom. You can configure the Custom button to send your scanned page to a bundled application or to any other application that supports TWAIN acquisition. Microtek also includes a well-rounded software bundle and a transparency adapter that handles 35mm slides and negatives.

WHAT'S NOT: Handling the bundled transparency adapter requires some practice: The user guide recommends that you use adhesive tape to secure the 35mm filmstrip or slide to the edge of the LightLid so that the film doesn't fall off when you position the lightweight lid atop the glass platen. As for support, Microtek provides free technical support (you pay any toll charges) only during the first six months after purchase; after that, you'll have to pay for support.

WHAT ELSE: The ScanMaker 4700's overall scan quality in our tests was generally pleasing, producing a well-balanced color spectrum with good details in shadows. The generous software bundle includes two image editors (Adobe PhotoDeluxe 2.0 and Ulead PhotoImpact 5.0), optical character recognition, and document management tools (Caere OmniPage LE 5.1 and Caere PageKeeper Standard 3.0, respectively), a Web-building application (Trellix Web 2.5), and a proficient TWAIN driver (Microtek ScanWizard 5.1) that provides separate modes for beginners and advanced users. No optional automatic document feeder is available.

BEST USE: The $150 Microtek ScanMaker 4700 is an appealing choice for SOHO and home users willing to pay a little extra for a dual-purpose (reflective-media- and transparency-ready) scanner that offers zippy performance, great features, and robust software.

SUMMARY

Microtek ScanMaker 4700 USB, 1200 by 2400 dpi, 11.4 by 20 by 4.6 inches (width by depth by height), 8 pounds, 8.5-by-11.7-inch scanning area; includes transparency adapter; no optional automatic document feeder. One-year warranty; free, toll-call support (10 hours on weekdays) is limited to six months. $150 800/654-4160 www.microtekusa.com