1650 Photo - Ai or SE Plus

[Rodney]

Hello,
Which would be best for a average home user with my Epson Perfection 1650 Photo, the Ai or SE Plus.
Also can any be used like a photo copier for letters, text etc ?
and what happens if I buy another (different brand/model) scanner ?

Thanks,
Rodney.

[RAG]

What sort of things would an average home user scan?

If you install the TWAIN (Technology Without An Interesting Name) version you may use SilverFast to scan documents into the full version Adobe Acrobat.

SilverFast is licensed by scanner brand and model.

[Rodney]

I am using a MacMini with Tiger 10.4.5.
I have a Canon Pixma ip3000 printer and Epson 1650 Photo scanner.

I will be scanning very old and new photos, transparencies and documents, letters, magazine articles, newspaper articles etc.

I use PhotoShop Elements 3 to "fix" my old photos.

With my ex windows machine I could use the Epson software and click just one button in it and it would scan and print like a photocopy machine, can I do this in any version of SilverFast?
If not, what is the best way and which version should I use for documents, letters, magazine articles, newspaper articles etc. and still be good for my photos and transparencies ?

Am I correct in thinking, that if I buy a new scanner in the future I will have to buy the software again.

ThankYou For your Help,
Rodney.

[RAG]

Rodney,

SilverFast does have a scan to print feature, but I don't believe it is activated by the button on your scanner. You would need to use the Epson Scan software for that functionality.

You will find (you can try the demo version) that SilverFast will give you very nice scans of newspaper and magazine articles. You will be able to adjust the tonality, reduce noise, and de-screen (some say the de-screening process is slow, but most seem to agree the quality is stellar).

I believe you are correct in thinking that you will need to purchase the software again if you get a new scanner. It might be worth while to talk with LaserSoft sales to see if you may get a discount on the basis of changing scanners.

[Rodney]

Ok. Which is it, the SilverFast SE Plus or the Ai.

Thank You very much for your help,
Rodney.

[RAG]

Rodney,

Take a look at the features each has to offer, and then go with the one that comes closest to your needs within your budget. AI has more features, but your budget will be the final determination.