New scanner targets small business

Umax Technologies' latest Astra 2400S scanner is a low-cost model aimed at small businesses. It can scan up to legal size at a resolution of 600x2400 dpi in hardware, with software interpolation bringing it up to 9600 dpi. It scans in a single pass at 36-bit colour. Umax says its cold-cathode lamp lasts up to 10 times longer than fluorescent, and allows for dust-free optics. For both Macintosh and Windows, the Astra 2400S costs $2,950. A transparency adapter costs $2,950, with an automatic document feeder costing an extra $3,900. Contact PacRim Technologies at 2919 8733.