🚀 go-pugleaf

For what it's worth, anyone in Australia looking to buy a good quality
scanner and have Microtek or Umax in their sights may like to know
that Proscan have the Microtek X6 SCSI model due in next week for $549
incl. tax.  Proscan (ph: 02-9904 1244) are the Australian distributors
and I must say I am impressed with how quickly they are getting the
model here.  Although I'm not sure if the model is the X6EL released
in USA (which is US Legal size) or just a SCSI version of the X6
(European/Australian A4 size) I don't think I can lost either way.  

While I'm sure anyone looking to buy a scanner would like to check out
the situation themselves (and certainly I don't usually give
recommendations before actually using a product thoroughly).  I made
my buying decision based on:
1. price to around $500
2. Quality - reviews and opinions on Usenet appear to indicate
Microtek are amongst the best quality scanners for accuracy of colour.
3. Software drivers - Microtek and Umax scored equally for their
ability to produce good quality scans at default settings while still
allowing the settings to be 'tweaked'.
4. SCSI interface as I couldn't be certain a parallel port model would
be compatible with my printer

For those interested the X6 is a 36-bit (internal and external for
24-bit external if preferred) 600x1200 dpi A4 SCSI flatbed scanner.

Although a little annoyed by Proscan's automated phone system (you'll
always get 'press 1 for ...') their service has always been quick,
clear and accurate.

Richard in Newcastle, Australia.
rtrout@hunterlink.net.au