If you're looking to have top quality images and features in a powerful yet affordable scanner, the HP Scanjet 4850 should definitely catch your eye.  You'll surely enjoy the 4800 x 9600 dpi resolution and 48-bit color depth which ensure brilliant colors and detail in every single image.  Its built in adapter can scan 4 slides (35 mm) or six negatives so your work will be completed as fast as possible.  Scanning documents will produce the same crispness of text as the original, so the quality is virtually the same.  You really shouldn't worry if you want to scan things that are scratched up or faded in color, because the geniuses at HP added features that will remove scratches and dust.  To top off the package, check out HP's adaptive lighting technology which removes red eye and allows you to brighten dark areas in the scanned images.  Awesome quality, spectacular features, and brilliant design best describe the 4850.  See for yourself how easy it is to scan with one of HP's popular midrange scanners.