Epson Perfection 1650 Photo Flatbed Scanner

This scanner, and possibly other Epson(tm) products will not work in CS3. Epson needs to update their drivers; a problem which they refuse accept responsibility for. It works perfectly for anything pre-CS3, but if you plan on upgrading at some point, you may be better off continuing your research. I have also heard reports that it is not just a mac problem, but I can't verify that.

The Epson 1650 yielded satisfactory results while it lasted. However, it recently began making noise like gears being stripped and promptly gave up the ghost. I've been wondering how far I could throw the thing. I'll try H.P. next time.

A great scanner, but it took a little time for me to set it up with the software. Called service at Epson and was so impressed with them. Problem I had with setup was that I had not uninstalled my UMAX software (previous scanner) and there were conflicts. Once I took it off, no problem. Called Epson service later to find out how to use the descreen function in order to scan pics from magazines without getting a moire pattern, but the tech guy said he'd have another more knowledgeable guy call me. The new service tech was top notch and spent (his dime) more than an hour with me on the phone showing me how to set up the scanning for special effects, color adjustments, descreening, and so much more. I recommend you use the "manual" setup rather than the automatic scan setup, and if you have Photoshop you don't need to install their image editing software. Great service. Great scanner. They have a newer one now, model 1660, which I assume is even better.

Bought for scanning several family photo albums onto CDs for members of the family. 800+ pictures later, the 1650-Photo is still buzzing along without any gliches.
Installation was easy, done with clear printed directions (onto a Mac G4 running OS 9.2)
The scanner does a quick pre-scan to produce an image you can see to make whatever adjustments for framing, color, contrast, shadow & highlight levels you desire. If you use the Auto mode instead, the software is so "smart" that it will usually produce results as good as you can do using the adjustments mode.
Once you are satisfied with the pre-scan image, you click on "scan", which the 1650 does in about 4 seconds. Thumbnail images of each scanned photo are displayed, along with the option to type in a name for each.
The picture files can be saved into several file types. If you chose .jpg you can adjust the file size, going small for e-mail use, to large for making paper prints.
I have not yet made any scans of photo negatives, but have of jewelry and maps and they turn out great! An excellent product at a very reasonable price.

I purchased the Epson 1650 Photo Flatbed Scanner 6 months ago. The primary reason I was attracted to this particular model was it's ability to scan 35mm slides. NOT.... Although Epson claims it is Mac compatible, Epson neglects to inform the consumer that the scanner IS NOT COMPATIBLE with the Mac OS X operating system.

Epson has been promising me delivery of the necessary drivers (at an additional cost, accompanied by a sales receipt, UPC bar code, and required application form) for 6 months now. In my latest contact with Epson (Oct. 3,2002) I am told they "do not know when the driver will be available".

So in conclusion, you owners of Mac computers - don't consider buying this product if you expect to use it as a scanner ... for anything else? ... it's up to you!