Yes, tutorials can be VERY helpful--except for the people who refuse to read directions in the first place (Cheers Dad!).
Hmmm...an 800 dollar scanner would be great, but I have to upgrade to my Pz-1P first, let-alone a new PC rig. Any donation of funds from our generous community of CP Placers would be greatly accepted, though. (Please: No cheese-on-a-stick or TCFKAB pins, though, as it is difficult bartering them for cameras) ;)
RE: the HP scanner... If you're talking lower-end, U-Max makes a mean piece. That's both my opinion and opinions of the tons of people that I speak with everyday while working at everyone's favorite retailer, Best Buy. I haven't experienced any nasty artifacts, or banding except of course in screened matter. This is irrelevant , though, as long as you have hard-drive space to spare for high res. scans. And of course, if you're a big-time media type like Jeff, reproducing printed media is a no-no anyhoo. :)
Hopefully, though, with my new pentax w/ major, zoom lense in hand this year, I'll be able to get some nice shots for contribution to the web community.
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-Dave Kochman
Pittsburgh