Best output, best speed, best Web development support—go out and buy our Editors’ Choice, the Epson Perfection 1200U. The 1,200- by 2,400-dpi scanner placed first on both our Web jury and expert jury tests, with a strong lead over the closest finisher; the Perfection was also the fastest on every test. Images were sharp and clear, with great tonal balance and good detail even in shadowy areas. Skin tones were superb, and colors were the most realistic of the tested units.
The software bundle includes NewSoft’s Presto! PageManager, which was able to convert a magazine page into a near duplicate Microsoft Word or HTML document (including graphics)—in one step. In this regard, the Perfection was the most successful scanner for Web development in the review group, although the unit is marketed to graphics professionals and sophisticated home users.
Straightforward to use, the Twain interface is made even better by offering both a stripped-down easy set of controls and an advanced set that gives you much more control over the settings.
The only weak link is that the scanner has just a single one-touch button, though you can program it to do just about anything you want. If you’re looking for a scanner that works like a multifunction device, with buttons for scans, copies, and e-mail, this is not the one you want. For everybody else, the Perfection is the hands-down winner.
Epson Perfection V600
Exceptional quality and versatility for home, office and studio. — The Epson Perfection V600 Photo delivers outstanding quality scans from photos, film, slides and everyday documents.
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