Microtek scanner and software AND Newcorp extended warranty are useless
Microtek scanner and software AND Newcorp extended warranty are useless

I've deleted my previous 4-star review; that was before the warranty was up and I had my fill of the software the beast uses. It's really just a 1-star machine. Maybe not even that. Some of my complaints below are because other scan software DOES offer these functions.

This will also discuss the extended warranty I got at Newcorp which I would also avoid like grim death as they never could repair it (actually, they never tried).

The software for this unit, ScanWizart Pro is:

1) The ONLY software on my Mac that can't be Force Quit in any way. So, when it decides to give me the spinning beachball of death (again, the only program that does this consistently in Tiger), then I have to shut down the computer manually.

2) I can't easily reset the scan numbers to 0. I MUST scroll through the numbers (from 999 and beyond back down to 0 if necessary).

3) I can't simply hit RETURN or ENTER to start a scan. The arrow must be exactly on the Scan button.

4) No matter how many scans I've done during the day, at some point, I'm asked if I'd like to let the scanner warm up. Was I asked this first thing in the morning? Nope. After letting the scanner sit idle for some time? Nope. I'm asked this immediately after just finishing the umpteenth scan and NOW, for some reason, ScanWizard thinks the scanner needs to warm up. And how long is this warm-up time? I'm not kidding: 538 minutes! I can't find anything about adjusting this or turning it off; there's nothing at all in the help file.

5) When installing or deleting the software, I'm asked if I want to UPGRADE! That's right, in neither case am I upgrading, but that's the button choice. Folks, this is downloadable software and this boo-boo can be corrected at any time (and it only takes a few minutes) by a software engineer, but NO. Microtek can't be bothered with even THIS much quality control.

6) Sometimes the scanner stops the scan midway and says that the user stopped the scan. Nope. Sometimes it stops a scan a few seconds in with no message at all. A ghost in the machine.

7) While it's a tabloid scanner, sometimes there are images that still need to be scanned in parts because they are so large. Unfortunately, the scan color/contrast varies between each scan!

8) ScanWizard still can't address names over a limit of 31 characters (how very 1988!), so, along with the auto-numbering, running out of file characters can happen and you're sometimes not warned about it. That's right, ScanWizard reaches its character limit and just saves each new scan over the old one. You look for all of those scans you thought you did, but only find ONE because all the rest were overwritten.

Speaking of quality control, the unit itself is built to last -- to last until the warranty runs out. I know, this has happened on two units. The warranty dies and so does the scanner. At this point, it puts random lines and bands in the scan. This can't be cleaned or adjusted by the user. Once the lines start, they don't stop.

So, I call up Microtek and am informed:

MICROTEK DOES NOT SERVICE ITS PRODUCTS. THERE ARE NO REPAIRS OFFERED.

But Microtek does offer to sell me a brand new scanner -- for MORE than I can get it on Amazon or anywhere else.

When the scanner is working, it works OK, but do you really want to spend good money on a machine that not only does not last 13 months, can't be repaired when something goes wrong and has software that's like a beta version (it's at 7.6). I don't have another piece of gear like this!

Buying an extended warranty would be a wise idea, but the company that sells it, Newcorp, is a shoe-string operation with no actual ability to repair anything themselves and no customer service (unless you like the "the customer is always wrong" type of customer service).

scanner,tabloid,junk,worthless,flatbed,extended warranty,11x17

Don't Use their "EZ mount"
Keep getting out focus when scanning 35mm negative films? The hint is NOT using EZ film mounts that comes with this i800 scanner. The mount lifted films like 2mm from the glass, which makes it getting out of focus.

How come they can ship the mounts with the scanners without testing before?

Not perfect, but extremely good
I bought this scanner to replace an old and unsupported Umax model that would not work at all with Windows Vista, and decided on this model after comparing prices and features, and I'm glad I did.

One thing to note -- this thing weighs quite a bit, so make sure you have a large, sturdy surface to put it on.

Installation was almost flawless. The CDs that came in the package had older drivers, so I downloaded the latest versions from the Microtek website. My biggest concern was that my computer runs the 64-bit version of Vista Ultimate. While the US site says a 64-bit version is not available at the present, the UK site says the latest version was compatible, and it does indeed work. There was a note, however, that Vista may need a hotfix in order to use the Firewire port -- can't verify this, as I am using USB on my computer.

There was a glitch somewhere between Vista, Photoshop CS2 and the scanner drivers where I could not get previews using the included ScanMaster Pro, although it fixed itself somehow.

My only minor complaints is the amount of time it takes the scanner to warm up after turning it on -- about half a minute compared with a few seconds for the old Umax. Plus, I have not been able to get it to scan pencil sketches and get the exact same results as I had with the Umax. Still, I do not regret the purchase at all.

scanner ok, software not
I have a Microtek scanner and just downloaded the latest drivers. It turns out Microtek wants a program called Scan Finder to load at every start-up, and there is no way to disable this. The product works satisfactorily, but for my money, I will purchase something else. Something that doesn't create such a nuisance, and isn't so invasive.

Scanning Older Negatives and Color Negatives
I don't own the scanner. I was shopping when I came across these reviews.

I see a lot of negative reviews of this scanner. The lack of support is a real big problem. If you have any problems with any equipment, you need help, and it doesn't appear that help will be forthcoming from Microtek.

I have scanned many a negative. I have recently jury-rigged my scanner to scan odd sized negatives that are from the 60's or earlier.

Scanning black & white photos is relatively easy. Scanning color photos is somewhat harder. A scanner is very unforgiving when it comes to color negatives. Everything about the placement of the color negative must be perfect or it will lead to disastrous results.

A color negative contains 3 or 4 times the information that a black & white negative contains. That is why it is harder to get a successful scan out of a color slide. Here are some helpful hints to think about when scanning older negatives, or even newer negative for that matter.

A color negative must be placed in the scanner in perfect orientation.

The edges of a color negative must not be bent at all or else your scan will be imperfect or just garbage. None of the negative must bent any any way shape or form, the negative must be perfectly flat. Even if you have to use painters tape to stretch it out or a piece of glass to flatten it out. If using or experimenting with glass, you must use Museum glass from a frame shop. Museum glass has a special coating on one side that reduces refections. The results are spectacular. You have to see it to believe it.

When trying to flatten a negative for a perfect scan, try using body heat to flatten it out. A little heating of the negative will cause it to flatten out. I use a hair drier on low heat and barely heat us the negative. Don't use a lot of heat of you will damage the negative. When handling a negative at any time always use Vinyl Gloves to do so. If heating the negative from body heat, place the negative between your hand with your Vinyl Gloves on and after about 30 seconds the negative will be pliable. You have to be quick. When the heat dissipates from the negative it will start to curl again.

Use a can of air to blow dust off of a negative and your scanner top. Use a special glass cleaner only to clean the glass. DO NOT USE WINDEX. They have changed their formula and using will leave streak marks that are very hard to get off. When cleaning the glass (especially museum glass). Use a cleaner that used a higher alcohol content. DO NOT select a cleaner that has either bleach, ammonia or vinegar in it. It is better that you use rubbing alcohol if you have nothing else available. You may have to experiment with glass cleaners to get the best result.

That is all I can think of for now. Good Luck!!!