Microtek ScanMaker i800 Flatbed Scanner (4800x9600, USB 2.0/Firewire, PC/Mac)

• Reviewed by: hibbsdds

  Strengths: Large format, large transparency scanning

  Weaknesses: Slow scanning. Has a learning curve for all the functions available.

  Overall: This scanner is huge, so you better have some desk space available. I got it for scanning large x-ray films and it does a decent job of it - most scanners in this price range can not scan large films. The scan to PDF also works well. The unit operates slowly and can be temperamental, but it fits my usage needs well. Set up was easy. I have not explored all the software options and have not scanned a wide variety of materials yet, but for the price I am well satisfied with the purchase.

• Reviewed by: mmsounds

  Strengths: It worked pretty well for a while. Scan quality was quite good.

  Weaknesses: Broke after a few months. Tech support was basically non-existent. Replacement scanner was also defective.

  Overall: I bought the i800 earlier this year. For a few months it worked pretty well. The scan quality was pretty good (both flatbed and film), and otherwise it performed OK.About four months after purchase, the scanner abruptly stopped working. It would turn on, but the compuer would not recognize it. Thinking at first it was a computer problem, I reinstalled the latest versions of the software and drivers to no avail.I then tried to contact Microtek's tech support, only to discover that Microtek HAS NO PHONE SUPPORT. The only way to contact their support center is to fill out a form on their website and wait to hear back. After submitting the form I waited... and waited... and WAITED FOR FIVE DAYS for a response. Finally after not hearing back from them, I submitted a product return request through their site. Only then did I receive a response from tech support in which they told me to try most of the steps which I had already attempted. After following their advice to no avail, I wrote back and had to wait another 24 hours before receiving a response. Finally after trying once more, I was told to mail the scanner back to them for a replacement. I had to pay for the shipping ($30).Two weeks later I received a replacement, refurbished scanner. Upon setting up the new scanner, I noticed immediately that the INSIDE OF THE GLASS WAS EXTREMELY DIRTY including many large pieces of debris that showed up in all of my scans as well as a large hazy area. Once again I emailed Microtek tech support and waited three days before they responded. Their only response was to contact Customer Service. After calling Customer Service, I was told that I needed to contact Tech Support. After explaining that I'd already contacted tech support, I was told that my only course of option was to send this new scanner back to Microtek to be replaced.I use my scanner for business on a daily basis, so going without it for two or three weeks makes life pretty difficult. I asked Customer Service if there was any way they could speed up the process such as sending me a replacement before I returned this one, or for them to authorize express shipping. Microtek's Customer Service SUGGESTED THAT I GO TO A STORE AND BUY ANOTHER SCANNER FOR TEMPORARY USE, THEN RETURN THAT SCANNER WHEN THE REPLACEMENT FINALLY SHOWS UP! Now I'm waiting for a third replacement scanner that will hopefully be in usable condition. This has been by far the worst experience dealing with any technology company. Most manufacturers at least pretend like they want to keep their customers happy.I will never buy another Microtek product.

• Reviewed by:

  Strengths: ?

  Weaknesses: didn't work

  Overall: First one wouldn't power up. Supposed to be picked up 4/9/07. Will review again when I get one that works. Ace in Cust service hung up on me when I asked about the rebate that expired on 3/31/07 - funny it is a moot point now since the rebate is extended ? but he still hung up on me.

• Reviewed by: ucbrother

  Strengths: Good Price, good for Panoramic and Cephalometric X-ray and Microtek LAN Wizard network software Good to used with Onyx Ceph Software.

  Weaknesses: Services and Warranty in Latinoamerican area. Support in Spanish language.

  Overall: Lets Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgeons share the scanner over a local area network for use with Onyx Ceph Software, Ideal for small Clinic, or Clinic workgroups, or inter-department workstations. Thanks for Made this product.

• Reviewed by: ellestar27

  Strengths: Much easier to install and configure than its competitors, and absolutely fabulous results...considering the price, this is a fantastic bargain!

  Weaknesses: Scanning bit slow, machine directly connected (USB)really must have a signifigant amount of memory. I would recommend firewire-LAN software can be sluggish on a small network, as well.

  Overall: I will definitely recommend this to clients. Close consideration of the specs for the machine to connect to it is important. However, the software is easy to use; just keep in mind that like most, it wants to run many exe files in the system tray of Windows.