Visioneer OneTouch 8600 Flatbed Scanner

While considering replacing my 8600 Visioneer (which I purchased in 1999), I was surprised to see that this model is still available at Amazon.com. Two years ago, I purchased a Canon 8600f as a possible replacement. It sits on my desk, rarely used, and collects dust while my trusty Visioneer continues to crank out excellent scans after nearly 10 years of heavy and faithful service. I have upgraded the PaperPort software originally bundled with the unit (to version 9), and I have added several other software packages which utilize the Visioneer with nary a hiccup. I have also appreciated the functional task buttons conveniently placed along the side -- all of which work as programmed (something I cannot say for the Canon scanner, none of which have ever worked for me). Maybe, it's not really time for me to get another scanner ... especially as I am not planning to install Vista on either my desktop (a still perfectly functioning XP machine acquired in 2001) or my laptop. I feel like I am winning the war against Microsoft and all those other software and hardware producers who generate programs and equipment which compel users to expend thousands regularly for "upgrades" (usually buggy) which marginally benefit users ... if, at all (a dubious claim in most cases if my personal experience is any measure).

I have had my scanner for over three years and it really saves me a lot of time. But I do wish that their was a customer service line to help with problems that are not available.

I have tried everything to make my faxes come out in black and white but to no avail.

The background is always gray. Even when I just print to copy.

Are their manuals that I can purchase?

Everything is relative. I see other reviews stating difficulties with software and support. I cannot vouche for their support because I have never needed it. I've found the software to be pretty straight forward and actually quite simple. Of course I had to mess around with it a little to get the hang of it like anything else. When you get it all set up, the one touch buttons make a quick fax or copy simple as pie (not pi). The image quality is excellent and it works great with Photoshop too.

I had technical problems with my Visioneer scanner and severe problems with their customer service department - everything from a 17-21 minute hold on the phone before getting a human to a 3-month (so far) wait for a replacement machine. Visioneer refuses to refund money because my customer service problems have gone on longer than 30 days and because I didn't purchase the machine through their website. Take great care in purchasing a Visioneer product. Dealing with Customer Service can be stressful and totally unrewarding - no money, no machine.

I have had 2 8600 scanners fail with the same problem. The scanner will stop scanning because it detects the lock is locked eventhough the lock is disabled. Visioneer replaced my first scanner and the replacement failed 9 months later with the same issue. They then would not back up their product.

I recommend buying elsewhere.