The
entire package of bundled software was too tempting to pass up.
From general experience with computers we bought the maximum extended
warranty, which is just one extra year past the automatic one
year.
If
you are going to scan at higher dpi, you will need storage to
handle the larger files. Consider DVD-RAM as a better solution
than the now obsolete Pinnacle Micro Apex 4.6
GB system. We have used DVD-RAM
5.2 GB disks for over a year and are very satisfied with its reliability.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Scanning
Mayan Textile on a Powerlook scaner
|
Nowadays
improved hardware and software
make burning a CD quick and easy. We will review
CD-R and DVD-RAM
equipment all over the FLAAR information network.
Why
get double the dpi?
Last
year's wide-format printers were 300 dpi, and averaged 36 inches
wide. The same ENCAD printer today is 600 dpi already,
and 60 inches or more in width. You cannot fill that size with
an ordinary scanner. Using the entire scanning area we easily
generated 300+ MB files that will blow up to 60x62 inches at 300
dpi, or even 50" width at 600 dpi. Mission accomplished.
The
main reason for testing the UMAX PowerLook III was to ascertain
whether a $3000 scanner (less at street price) can match the
output of a $15,000 scanner and how close can the output of
the UMAX come to that of the high-end $32,000+ flatbed scanners.
To
see the initial enlargements of the indigenous Guatemalan textiles,
click
here.
Hopefully
a Howtek, Screen, Scanview,
Creo, AGFA, or comparable scanner can produce a superior image,
but until we have one to test, we will work with the UMAX. 1200x2400
dpi is a healthy optical dpi. New improved flatbed SilverFast
scanner software from LaserSoft is now available for all Umax
models, Umax Mirage, Umax PowerLook II and III, www.silverfast.com.
Better
have plenty of horsepower under the hood of your computer, aided
with adequate RAM. You need a RAID system or DVD-RAM. If you invested
in Pinnacle
Micro Apex (4.6 GB) disks to handle your resulting images
several years ago you should update to DVD-RAM. A CD burner is
useful for storing images as well.
|
|
FLAAR offers for you more information about this subject |
|
