Epson America Perfection 2450

WHAT'S HOT: The dual-format (reflective and transparency) Epson Perfection 2450 Photo's 48-bit color quality, ultrahigh resolution, and overall versatility make it an impressive performer. At $399, the 2450 Photo is among the most affordable corporate scanners we've tested. This dual-interface model supports both USB 2.0 and FireWire (IEEE 1394) connections. Its built-in transparency adapter and sturdy film holders can scan areas up to 4 by 9 inches. With its robust 2400-dpi maximum resolution, you can enlarge a 35mm slide up to an 8-by-12-inch print without losing quality or detail. The 2450 Photo earned high marks for its color accuracy and clean rendering of fine lines in monochrome line art.

WHAT'S NOT: Although the 2450 Photo has a fast FireWire connection, Epson doesn't provide a FireWire card, so if you want to take advantage of FireWire's speed and your PC lacks the interface, you'll need to purchase an add-on card and cable. Two other issues: You can't get live technical support on weekends or add an automatic document feeder.

WHAT ELSE: For our August 2002 comparison we tested the Perfection 2450 Photo using FireWire. It was among the top three fastest models in our test set, except on a 2-by-2-inch color photo scanned at 1200 dpi. On that test, the 2450 Photo's time was 9 seconds slower than the average of all scanners we tested, including USB 1.1 models.

The 2450 Photo comes with a proficient--though not perfect--set of applications. It includes the versatile Epson TWAIN 5.5 Software, which offers a choice between automatic or manual mode, and allows you to scan several images at once. The unit also comes with LaserSoft SilverFast 5.0 SE for advanced color control (such as color-cast removal and selective color correction), Adobe Photoshop Elements for image editing (which doesn't support color modes greater than 24 bits), and Epson Smart Panel for one-click access to a variety of common tasks (such as e-mail, scan, copy, OCR, and more). However, the 2450 Photo lacks an application for opening and editing a color-rich 48-bit image (such as Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE), and it has no document management tools.

UPSHOT: The Epson Perfection 2450 Photo is a solid choice for either corporate or small-office users--as well as for serious photographers--who want a flatbed scanner that is particularly well-suited for scanning and enlarging transparencies.

SUMMARY

Epson Perfection 2450 Photo USB 2.0 and FireWire, 2400 by 4800 dpi, 11.9 by 18.7 by 4.8 inches (width by depth by height), 12.8 pounds, 8.5-by-11.7-inch scanning area; includes transparency adapter, no optional ADF. One-year warranty; free technical support for 12 hours on weekdays (calls are not toll-free); 24-hour, toll-free automated support. $399 800/463-7766 www.epson.com