[Leica] SCANNER HELP NEEDED

["Joe Codispoti" <joecodi@thegrid.net>]

Having seen the large scan of the Nikon S3 I am reminded that I need to
replace my present flat-bed paperweight/scanner.
My needs are limited to scanning photos and other images for email and web
publishing. I am aware that high resolution is not of the utmost importance
here but I would like sharpness, color fidelity, and overall quality
nevertheless. Although I have no need for drum-scan quality, I tend to
choose higher end equipment.

So far, I am leaning  towards the 1200 DPI, HP 6300 series ($315 street)
models or the U-Max equivalents ($200) but I wonder if I should consider the
U-Max PowerLook III ($900-1000 street) or the soon to be available PowerLook
1100 (I am sure over $1000) witch will offer Firewire capability. What
benefit would Firewire have in a flat-bed scanner? Lacking the experience of
members in this group, I am afraid to commit to large expenditures without
some expert advice.

Thanks in advance.
Joseph Codispoti