Canon CANOSCAN D1230UF FLATBED SCNNER 1200X2400 DPI USB 48 BIT COLOR

WHAT'S HOT: The versatile Canon CanoScan D1230UF offers a winning combination of fast performance, pleasing image quality, and the ability to scan both reflective and transparent media right out of the box. This 48-bit, 1200-by-2400-dpi USB-interface scanner is similar in design to the higher-resolution CanoScan D2400UF, but costs $200 less. The D1230UF's 826-kilobytes-per-second throughput was notably faster than all other current SOHO chart scanners. The D1230UF also earns kudos for its scan quality; print and on-screen images feature bright, well-saturated colors, with crisp shadow and highlight details.

WHAT'S NOT: Priced at $299, the CanoScan D1230UF is the most expensive scanner on the SOHO chart. For $30 less, the top-rated Epson Perfection 1240U Photo provides comparable scan quality and features. The CanoScan doesn't let you scan multiple images simultaneously. Also, the D1230UF lacks an optional document feeder, which makes it less desirable for those who regularly scan multiple-page documents.

WHAT ELSE: The D1230UF's two quick-start buttons for reflective and film scanning can be customized to launch applications or begin an action (such as printing scans). Also included is a sturdy set of film holders for different types and sizes of transparencies, ranging from 35mm slides to 4-by-5-inch film. The D1230UF comes with the same software bundle as the CanoScan D2400UF, which includes Adobe Photoshop LE 5.0 for image editing, ArcSoft PhotoBase 2.1 for document management, ScanSoft OmniPage Pro 9.0 for optical character recognition tasks, and Canon PhotoRecord for image printing using a bevy of predesigned layouts and backgrounds.