Epson Perfection photo scanner does sharp, detailed work

Epson's reputation for scanners remains rock solid, with the introduction of the Epson Perfection 2450 Photo color scanner ($370). It reproduces awesome detail from prints and film, thanks to its 2,400-by-4,800 dot-per-inch resolution.

The scanner, which works with Windows 98 or later and Mac OS 8.5 or later, has a transparency adapter big enough for a 4-by-9-inch piece of film. The platen will handle an 8.5-by-11.7-inch photograph or sheet of paper as well.

In some cases, the Perfection 2450's high fidelity created better detail in images than could be seen under normal light in the original prints. The Perfection 2450 also was so sensitive that it picked up every piece of hair, dust or fingerprint that had been inadvertently placed on the pictures I was scanning.

Epson's Smart Panel scanning software is a simple program for scanning designed for less tech-savvy users. Serious photo enthusiasts will love the SilverFast SE software, which is harder to master but yields great-looking results for a flat-bed scanner.

Information: 1-800-463-7766 or www.epson.com.