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Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest
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alaTest.com
Editors' rating: 79
Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 53 reviews of Microtek ScanMaker 9800XL Scanner from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 90/100 and users 52/100. Comparing these reviews to 35588 other Scanners reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 79/100 = Good.
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newbie.org
Editors' rating: 100
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Scanners. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of scanner.
Optical Resolution
The maximum optical resolution of a scanner is very important. Be careful of claims of 'interpolated' resolution--this is a software trick to try to generate a larger image from less data, but cannot really generate a clear image. Also, the real limit is the lower of the vertical or horizontal maximum resolution, anything past the lower of those two numbers is using interpolation.
The amount of resolution actually needed depends on the intended job. Scanning something purely for use on a computer screen at about the same size needs a mere 75 dpi, but this about the least demanding job possible. If you intend to print your scanned image, a minimum of about 300 dpi is needed for color (and 600 dpi for black-and-white).
The above assumes that the final image should be about the same size as the original. For enlargements, better resolution is needed so that the final image maintains the required dpi after the image is enlarged. For instance, to print a 4"x5" photo at the size of a full sheet (8"x10"), the 8"x10" image will need (300 x 10) 3000 pixels down the long side. That turns into (3000 / 5) 600 dpi for the original scan.
See more Optical Resolution products
Large format scanner
These scanners are large, able to scan an 8.5"x17" area (two normal pieces of paper side-by-side). This makes them cumbersome, and difficult to find a location for. However, for someone who wants to scan original art (or other large media), this is a necessary evil.
These scanners are best for artists who do moderately-sized pieces of art. Full sheets watercolor paper, or canvases are still too large for this scanner, and will ether need a good photography rig, or a professional service bureau. When shopping for a scanner for art, look for a good resolution (600 dpi is a good minimum, and there's little need to go for much more than that, unless you plan to do enlargements), and color depth (again, there is little call for anything better than 24-bit color).
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CNET product brief
Description: The Microtek Scanmaker 9800XL is a 1600 dpi x 3200 dpi, general purpose color scanner.Compared to other general purpose scanners on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,125.
Pros: Has a 12 in max document width, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced scanners.Also, this scanner has a 17 in max document length, which is more favorable than some similarly priced scanners.The Microtek Scanmaker 9800XL can be connected via USB, or FireWire.This has a good resolution of 1600 dpi x 3200 dpi.This unit supports larger formats, including 12 in x 17 in.
Cons: This unit has a large footprint and may overwhelm smaller work areas.
Suitability: A general purpose scanner, suited for basic SOHO scanning.This scanner can handle 12 in x 17 in documents.Flatbed scanners, such as this one are versatile, able to scan single sheets of text or graphics, pages from books, and make images of anything else placed on the glass.
Value: In general, this scanner's features are in line with its price.
Suggestions: To see some of our editors' favorite scanners, visit CNET Editors' Top Scanners
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
Where to buy
Microtek ScanMaker 9800XL:
$1,300.00
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$1,300.00 | Yes |
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