Best of 2004: Epson Perfection 2480/2580

Price: $99/$149 (Mfr. Price)
Type: Flatbed scanner
Color Depth: 48 bits
Max. Scan Resolution: 12,800 x 12,800 (interpolated)
Special Features: Transparency adaptor, automatic film loader (2580)
Manufacturer's Site - Perfection 2480
Manufacturer's Site - Perfection 2580

These days, when multifunctions are offering scanner functions along with printing and faxing, a scanner has to be either (a) very cheap, or (b) very good in order to merit a purchase. The dynamic duo of the Epson Perfections 2480 and 2580 seems to cover both categories. At $99, the 2480 offers quality scanning at a very low price, while the 2580 adds an automatic film loader for those shutterbugs who have a large backload of negatives to store.

PC World made the Perfection 2480 a Best Buy in its list of scanners. The reviewer opened by complimenting the P2480's "fine image quality and brisk performance," and added that it scans both photos and films. That, along with some fine photo restoration software, an easy-to-use interface, and an optional automatic feeder, took the 2480 to the top of PC World's list.

The U.K. site IT Reviews doesn't have a Best of... category, but it's review of the Perfection 2480 was enthusiastic enough so that it merited a mention in this article. The reviewer wrote that the results of testing were "uniformly good" on a variety of materials, including 35mm prints and faded monochrome images. Plaudits were also given for ease of use, and the accompanying software package.

CNET features the 2480's big brother in its Gift Guide: the Epson Perfection 2580. This more expensive model features an automatic feeder for 35mm film which makes archiving old family photos a whole lot easier. CNET proclaims that it's perfect for "Digital photography newbies, as well as busy moms and dads who need a quick way to digitize the family album."