I have an older model Epson, the Perfection 3170, which has the capability of scanning negatives and slides. I bought it directly from Epson (refurbished) at a very good price. I still have not scanned the negatives and slides I bought it for, and now the latest drivers available are for Windows 7. I did find out that it can be installed in "compatibility mode" on Windows 8. I've been waffling about a new computer and finally had myself convinced to go ahead with Windows 8. Now, I'm not so sure of what to do. I should have done this job several years ago, and life is getting away from me. I'm sure I'll leave this life with lots of unfinished projects. Can someone explain whether "compatibility mode" would limit any functions of the scanner if installed on Windows 8? I've read some rumors of Windows 9 making an appearance by Christmas time this year. Anyone with any knowledge of this? This just adds to my confusion. Here are the specs of the computer I'm considering: ⢠Windows 8.1 64 ⢠4th generation Intelî Core⢠i7-4770 processor quad-core[3.4GHz,8MB Shared Cache] ⢠Intel HD Graphics [DVI-I, DVI-D] ⢠12GB DDR3-1600MHz [2 DIMM ] ⢠2TB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive ⢠No Secondary HDD ⢠Microsoft Office Trial ⢠Security software trial ⢠SuperMulti DVD Burner ⢠15-in-1 Multi-slot Media Card Reader, 4 USB Ports (Front/Top), Audio [Front 2USB2.0, Top 2USB3.0] ⢠No TV Tuner Card ⢠Integrated Sound, Envy Audio; Beats Audio ⢠HP USB keyboard and optical mouse with volume control ⢠Wireless-N LAN card and Bluetoothî(1x1) ⢠460W Power supply Apologize for hijacking this thread. However, I think Epson makes some great peripherals.

Followed this post with interest since I have wanted one of these scanners ever since I found out about them. On Jan 2, I purchased the one from HSN that scans both JPEG and PDF, after some research that model is only available at HSN. Anyway, I am pretty pleased with it. I scanned loose paper, page out of a book, a pattern (I sew), a page out of a magazine, and a photo. The scans to PDF are better than my old flat bed and much quicker. I have only done a couple of pictures and was not that happy with it, but my main focus was to scan my files and get rid of paper clutter. I think it will be perfect for that. There is a slight learning curve, for example start at the top not bottom of your page or the scan will be upside down. With a bit of practice, I was able to drag it at the proper speed and without movement to get a perfect scan. You can still read it but it has "waves" in it if you hesitate or wiggle the wand. Super easy to transfer to computer. No software involved. Just hook up with USB and it acts as a flash drive, review what you scanned, cut and paste to where you want it on your hard drive. Now if the product doesn't break down, I will be happy with my purchase. Hope this helps you if you are thinking about getting one of these scanners. Murphy

When choosing a high resolution scanner, look for ones with the most robust drive for the scanning head. The scanning head often is driven by a stepper motor, thus the drive motion is not smooth, but a series of jerks. If the scanner head is not well supported, its induced vibration will reduce its capability to produce sharp pixels. A shaking scanner head can not produce fine detail. Over 10 years ago, I bought an HP flat bed scanner. Its scanner head slides on large polished rods and the drive belt was more robust than other offerings at that time. It has performed well and I still use it. I wish that updated software and drivers were available for it.

Susan, I just now saw this -- on page 4 of the forum, and it's nearly 1:30 a.m. so it's now Wednesday... I've never taken this scanner out of the box! So, I had to push all of the stuff off of the top of it (horizontal surfaces do NOT stay clean for more than about 10 minutes if I'm anywhere in proximity). The box has been on the floor under my desk for at least two years, but now that you mention it, it very well could be three (or four! - gads, I hope it hasn't been more than that, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised). Anyway, from what it says on the outside of the box (at least what I can see from this angle), it's a "Visioneer One Touch 9320 USB" Aha! The packing slip was still on the outside of the package (I ordered it online and it was delivered...) The ship date was 02/13/2004. My how time flies when you're having fun! Let's see... it has 400 x 3200 dpi optical resolution 48-bit Color (recognizes over 281 trillion colors); 5 Convenient OneTouch Buttons; Scans slides or a negative strip; Blazing fast Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Interface and cable (Compatible with USB 1.1 too!) Says it's Designed for Windows XP... The reason I chose this one is because it comes with the slide and negative adapter, and has other features that I wanted (at least at that time). My father was quite the photographer (always had a darkroom in the house); and I've got boxes and boxes of negatives and slides that I want to scan. When I bought this desk, I selected it specifically so I'd have a place to put the scanner. But, there isn't a clear horizontal space quite large enough for it right now. :-( Somewhere "out there" in the mess in the garage I have another scanner that I used to use (and it was very easy - you'll get the hang of it in no time at all), but that was with a different 'puter with Windows 98. When I went to Windows XP, I needed a new scanner, which is when I got the Visioneer... Guess this means I need to hold off on getting Vista, eh? ;-)