ok, I tried to keep the quality and file size as close as possible to compare the two scanners.

I was able to tweak the epson scan software enough to accomplish this.

On the left: my 9 yr old HP Scanjet 4200C. On the right, the new epson 4490 Photo. The file size for the epson image is 27.2k vs the HP image 28.9. These are essential the same. As you can see...there is a definate difference in the crispness with the new epson being much sharper.

Also notice the edge of the chip....much sharper on the epson.

One other difference between the two is that on the HP the chip is layed upside down when scaning, while the epson is placed right side up. That is why the shadow on one is at the top and the other at the bottom.

All I've done here is shown that the new scanner is better then the old one. Now, to compare to a new HP!