He was the one who told me what I needed to make my computer and scanner be happy together. I don't recall what it was, but you HAVE to buy a scanner with a certain resolution if your computer is more than 2 weeks old (just kidding... but a year or so - seriously)

I wound up with the Epson Perfection 1260, 48 BIT, 1200 x 2400 DPI.
For software, Adobe Essentials

This combination "clearly" worked for me

And by the way - I think I bought and returned no less than 3 scanners before Ross explained what the compatability problem was and what I had to do to fix it. He was dead on - I bought a scanner with the specs he suggested - and it's all good

The scanner was't the "Cheapest" but certainly not the most expensive. I think it was like $160 with a $50 rebate. (but I am guessing... I can't remember for sure)