HP SCANJET 7450C FLATBED 2400DPI 48BIT COLOR USB-98/00/MAC OS

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.