SCANNING AT ITS BEST. (Epson Perfection 1200U)

Member Name: thingywhatsit

Product:	Epson Perfection 1200U
Date:	02/08/05 (457 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: So useful even after years of use.

Disadvantages: None whatsoever.

When I bought my scanner years ago, I decided that I did not have the money to buy again in a short while and researched the best scanner that I could buy. I needed a scanner that scanned images, but one that also scanned negatives, as I had many memories on negatives although had long since lost the photographs.

There were several on the market though some of them seemed really flimsy and not that well put together. I think my love affair with the Epson was when I saw how solid the machine was and I knew that it would do what I wanted it to do. It was important too that this should be a scanner that would last me through the evolution from Windows 98 to whatever software I chose and this one does. It has a USB connection as well which was handy.

What you get when you buy this scanner is detailed instructions, back up from a super firm, extra holders for negatives, and of course none of this would run smoothly without the software package that comes with it, Epsom Twain, which is very easy for even a technophobe to use, and has so much adjustment that you can achieve accuracy of copy that I have never experienced before with a scanner.

Many scanners offer a lot though this one fulfilled its promise, and the software that came with it was extremely user friendly and clearly explained. Epson Twain is the software that transfers the image from the scanner to the computer and when you work with this software, you can actually improve on the original image, change the number of pixels to get sharper image, or trust Epson and use their enhancement button. I trust Epson and it works every time, although over time, I have learned to trust myself as well, and use advanced settings now to scan items that I feel need extra enhancement.

This works well with my photographic programs, and I was able, with the use of the special bed, to scan all my old negatives and make them into pictures that can be stored on my computer. I was also able to put in slides and to change them into photograph images that print really well and this was amazing because a lot of the slides I had never seen as photographs, and the detail that I had missed whilst they had been slides, comes through on the images produced by the scanner.

The software package that comes with the scanner is easily explained, so that even a technophobic like me could use it.

I cannot stress enough the pleasure that this machine has given me. I did not realise that my life that sat in a box of negatives in the loft could turn into photographs that I can now enjoy so much, and enhancing scratched negatives was easy to do with my photographic software.

This is probably the most successful buy I have made for my computing needs, and upkeep and care is very simple, i.e. wiping outer surface with a moist cloth, and cleaning the surface area of the scanner with a mild detergent.

The scanner has been useful for a number of things. I have scanned articles for my husband when he needs them. I have scanned designs from design books and then made them the right size for my husband to work with, and this piece of equipment is one that has not been outdated and even though I look for new innovative things as we all do, I am happy that this is the scanner for me and that it does what I want it to do without any hiccup whatsoever. Images are crisp and sharp, and I also use the scanner to scan documents and to make photocopies.

With a raised lid, one of the marvellous things I found I could use the scanner for was scanning small objects for sale on ebay. Even bulky items scanned superbly, simply by raising the lid to the required level and scanning. This proved valuable before I possessed a digital camera, and I still use it now for smaller items since its easy of use and results are better than a posed photograph sometimes with smaller objects.

Reliability of the scanner for me has been 100 per cent. It has never let me down and I don't even mind the noise that it makes as it scans which, compared to other scanners I have used, is noisy, though to me is a buzz that I can handle, as it is only momentary whilst the scanner process is taking place.

Speed ? Well, I think it is adequately fast, although it slows down when you want a very high resolution image which one would expect as you are actually asking the scanner to perform a more detailed task.

As for quality, I played with the scanner when I first had it and copied a currency note. Comparing it with the original, you really could not tell them apart. It was simply a test and I didn't try to do both sides as of course that is illegal. I also tried copying difficult pictures and the detail could be enhanced by the scanning process.

The on/off switch is a press in one which always responds and to my mind works better than a rocker switch, and locking the scanner for moving (i.e. when moving house) was simply done with a coin in a small slot at the side.

The support that I have had from Epson has been first rate as well. I had a small problem one day (self inflicted I may add) and telephoned them. The plug was not properly attached to the back of the machine and they were patient and very helpful and pleasant.

All told, I am glad that I spent £120 on a scanner, although a little peeved to find they can now be bought for £65. Believe me at £65 they are a gift.

Compared with other scanners available at a similar price, there is none that does as much or is as solid as this scanner and I have no regrets and know that it will continue to serve my needs for the next few years at least. One can never say permanently because there is so much advancement in technology all the time, although I see no need to even think of change at the moment.

When searching the market for a scanner, remember that there are gimmicky ones that look good, though my experience with Epsom has taught me that it isn't looks that matter as much as how good the piece of equipment is. This is not the most stylish of scanners on the market nor the most slimline, but my advice would be to take a really good look at what you want a scanner to do before wasting money on one that does less, at a similar price.

Installation was easy, software support super, and after sales service goes way beyond the call of duty.

I hope this goes some way to convince readers of the merits of a scanner that offers the most a scanner can.

Summary: Super machine

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