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Would someone mind helping me decide the following...
I will soon purchase an Epson 4990. I do LF color and b/w.
Should I get the pro version, or the standard version and put the money saved into more suitable software and/or a calibration spyder for my monitor?
I am not familiar with the available scanning software.
If the packaging is similar to the 4870, then the pro version simply adds the Silverfast full version and the Monaco EZ Color profile builder software. Same hardware.
Silverfast is better than the Epson scanning software on my (older) scanner (the 2450). Most people regard it highly. Being able to build an accurate profile for your scanner would be useful for color work. I have no idea how good Monaco EZ Color is, though. Buying these two packages after the fact will probably cost you more than if you buy them bundled with the scanner. (I haven't looked up the prices personally.)
As for a calibration spyder. You definitely need that. I'd prioritize that higher than spiffier scanning software if you don't have the money for both. Calibrating with Adobe Gamma or whatever is just no substitute.
"Silverfast is better than the Epson scanning software" I'll second that. Once you figure it out the SF is far superior in terms of what it will do with multi-pass, a superior Digital Ice, batch scanning interface and many others. Serious monitor calibration is the minimum you cna get by with. I reied to get along without it and gave up and bought Eye One from Gretag Macbeth. It improved my proofing so much that I would not work without it. The savings in paper and ink will pay for it quickly.
Get the cheaper one and spend the savings on Vuescan and a Gretag.
Many thanks to everyone for the prompt answers.
I will go for the pro since Silverfast is worthwhile.
Multi-Pass scanning is definatly a worthwhile feature. I bought the less expensive 4990 and ended up upgrading the Silverfast SE to AI online for $99. Like Kirk, I use the Eye One Photo for calibration. It works great for me.
Also Vuescan used to have problems with ghosting with digital ice. Silverfast did also but they solved it and now DI in SF works better than it does in the native Epson software. Does anyone know if Vuescan has solved that?