WHAT'S HOT: The dual-interface (USB 1.1 and SCSI) HP Scanjet 7450c is a versatile one-stop scanning station: It features an automatic document feeder with a 50-page carrying capacity, as well as an add-on transparency adapter for scanning film. It also offers 48-bit color, 2400-by-2400-dpi optical resolution, and lightning-fast performance.

When we tested it using its USB 1.1 interface, the 7450c's scans at 100 dpi and 300 dpi were the fastest in our current test batch, and at 600 dpi the 7450c came in second, trailing the Microtek ScanMaker 8700 Pro Design (tested with its FireWire interface) by less than a second. However, this scanner stumbled on our maximum-resolution, maximum-bit-depth test, taking 96 seconds versus the 8700 Pro Design's 31-second time.

In our judging of image quality, the 7450c earned top scores on both our line-art tests, showing clean lines and letters with fine detail. A printout of a gray-scale photo scanned at 600 dpi showed very good exposure, with nice detail in both light and dark areas. A color photo scanned at 100 dpi lost a small amount of detail in dark areas but had nice color balance overall.

WHAT'S NOT: The unit's transparency adapter has a 5-by-5-inch working area, in contrast to the 8-by-10-inch scanning areas of the Microtek ScanMaker 8700 Pro Design. If you want to use the 7450c's SCSI interface, you must have your own SCSI card and cable, because they aren't included in the box. HP provides free technical support (you pay any toll charges) for only 90 days after purchase; thereafter, you'll have to pay for the support too.

WHAT ELSE: This Scanjet's architecture is unique: It features two charge-coupled-device image sensors instead of the single sensor found in most scanners. HP says the 600-dpi CCD captures larger pixels quickly, while the 2400-dpi CCD is supposed to capture smaller pixels with greater detail.

The 7450c boasts a legal-size scan bed and a handy assortment of push buttons on the front panel for quick-starting common tasks, as well as for specifying the number and quality of copies and other options. The 7450c's software bundle includes tools for optical character recognition (Iris ReadIris 6), image editing (Corel Print Office 2000), and Web site creation (Boomerang Internet DesignShop Gold Web, Anark Emotion 3-D Web), as well as an easy-to-use scanning driver (HP PrecisionScan Pro).

BEST USE: With its bundled ADF and transparency adapter, the HP Scanjet 7450c is a good choice for any general business that needs an easy-to-use, all-in-one scanning station. But for larger transparencies, the Microtek ScanMaker 8700 Pro Design is a better choice.

SUMMARY

HP Scanjet 7450c USB 1.1 and SCSI, 2400 by 2400 dpi, 12.3 by 22.6 by 7.3 inches (width by depth by height), 13.8 pounds, 8.5-by-14-inch scanning area; includes transparency adapter and automatic document feeder. One-year warranty; toll-call technical support (16 hours weekdays, 7 hours weekends) limited to 90 days. $700 800/722-6538 www.scanjet.hp.com