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Larger Flatbed Scanners?

Posted by timothy on from the illegal-sizes-are-cheap dept.

An Anonymous Coward writes: "I work for a University department and we're looking to find an affordable flatbed scanner with a scanning area of 11x17". Affordability is critical, and it's surprising how hard it is to find one of these... Some basic models I've found range from $1,000 to $4,000. Can the Slashdot community suggest any scanners? Will they?" I settled on a smaller scanning surface after finding the same thing, but my scanner (an Epson Perfection 1650 Photo) is supported nicely by the excellent Xsane. What scanner advice can you offer, especially when it comes to cross-platform support?

2 of 34 comments (clear)

  1. Hate to say it, but... by realgone · · Score: 4, Informative
    ...the $1K+ figure sounds about right for what you've described. Seriously, scanning is one of those times when you really do get what you pay for... especially at larger flatbed sizes, when controlling vibration of the scanning elements becomes more of a problem.

    However, if you're dead-set on going down that low-cost road, your best shot would probably to pick up a few Plustek OpticPro A3-i scanners on clearance somewhere. (Here for instance.) The company's not around anymore, so you'll be on your own for support, but at $175.00 per unit, that might be a risk you'd be willing to take.

    I am curious as to what the university so desperately needs to scan at 11x17, though...

  2. There are some things money can't buy by DeadMeat+(TM) · · Score: 4, Funny

    Epson scanner: $100.
    Epson scanner: $100.
    Roll of duct tape: $2.
    The look on your department head's face: priceless.