[bksvol-discuss] Re: Epsons, again.

  • From: Guido Corona <guidoc@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sun, 26 Dec 2004 19:05:33 -0600

Alison,  the EPSON 3170 is still a current model on the EPSON web site.  I 
expect it to be discontinued either in the fall of 2005 or the fall of 
2006.  It seems to be a 'workhorse' model like the older 1640,  which 
remianed current for 3 years.  Normally Epson scanners are kept in the 
catalogue only 12 months before replacement by a new model. 3170 supports 
Fast USB 2.0,  has a document feeder,  is the fastest scanner in the EPSON 
lineup,  has the highest reliability in   the line with 36,000 cycles 
between mean failures.  Even if you used it rather heavily it should last 
you 2 to 3 years.  If you are concerned about the creature breaking down, 
ask Best Buy to get it for you,  then purchase the extra 1-year full 
replacement warranty for $30.  That will bring the price of the product to 
$200 with a total of 2 years under warranty.  otherwise you can purchase 
it for $179 new from the EPSON online store with a full 1 year warranty, 
or refurbished with a 90 days warranty for $124 from the same site.


Of course you can buy the newer 4180 model for an extra $30.  Yes it has 
even higher resolution,  which is not used for OCR, and it is slower.  I 
can't see any advantage.  Please note that I have been using an older 1660 
rather heavily for over 2 years and it is still going strong.  It is out 
of production.  When it starts giving me grief I will replace it, 
otherwise who cares if it is in production or not.

What's to worry?

Guido


Guido Dante Corona
IBM Accessibility Center,  Austin Tx.
Research Division,
Phone:  512. 838. 9735.
Email: guidoc@xxxxxxxxxxx
Web:  http://www.ibm.com/able

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