Cadalyst - January/February 2009 - (Page 45) viewpoint 35,000 30,000 25,000 Price ($) 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 25 36 40 42 44 Scanner Width (inches) 48 54 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Not all PDF and DWF Files are Created Equal Figure 2. The average price for all vendors’ scanners grouped by scanning width from 2003 to 2008. shows two pricing abnormalities: Scanners in the 40” and 44” segments generally are priced lower than those in the 36” segment. Studying the numbers closely also reveals that both the 40” and 44” segments are represented by only one vendor — the 40” segment by Colortrac and the 44” segment by Contex and its other brands, Vidar and GTCO Calcomp. Looking at several years’ data shows that 36”-wide scanner pricing dropped from 2006 to 2008 as a competitive response to the new 40” segment. Pricing for 42” scanners has dropped over the years, mostly due to competition among 42” scanner manufacturers. Today, we have a clear price advantage in buying a 40” scanner instead of a 36” scanner. Colortrac priced its scanner in the 40” segment aggressively by offering a price lower than models in the 36” segment and a significantly better price position against the 42” models. Of course, if a user needs a 42” scanner, then he or she obviously wouldn’t consider a 36” or 40” scanner anyway. But how many CAD users need a 42”-wide scanner? In the CAD segment, most documents fit D- or Esize media (maximum 36”), so this segment traditionally doesn’t go any wider. Going wider was considered to be a waste of money, because the maximum document width is 36”. However, scanners are also sold to other areas such as reprographics, graphic arts, photo shops, copy shops, etc. where scanwidth requirements usually are wider. Combined for all segments, the 42”wide scanner is the most popular. January/February 2009 cadalyst www.cadalyst.com Recommendations When purchasing a wide-format scanner, you should consider a variety of factors, including size, scanning speed and quality, software — and of course, price. But the trends as outlined here give rise to a speculative recommendation. Gone are the days when you had to be conservative with your scanner choice simply because of price. Today you also can consider 42” or 44” models that can be had for less than the price of a 36” model. Keep in mind that the 44” segment is new, so this pricing phenomenon could be shortlived as the market discovers the better price value of these scanners. Eventually the introduction of 40” and 44” models will lead to price adjustments in the 36” and 42” segments to bring it all into equilibrium. Finding the perfect scanner means evaluating a variety of factors, including price. If you’re in the market for a new 36” CAD scanner, consider also the 40” or 44” scanners that could meet your needs for less money. If a new 42” scanner is on your radar, include the equivalent, less-expensive 44” scanners in your search as well. Henrik Vestermark is an independent consultant who has worked in the wideformat scanner and printer industry since 1988. His expertise includes all aspects of the wide-format digital capture market and focuses on the wide-format scanner industry. Reach him at hve@stanleyadamsgroup. com, www.stanleyadamsgroup.com. higher q AutoCAD 2000 - 2008 Compatible Batch Creation of PDF, DWF, or Images Automatic Bookmark Creation Custom File Naming Options Create a PDF from any Windows Application Try it free for 30 days. 45 http://www.cadzation.com http://www.stanleyadamsgroup.com http://www.cadalyst.com
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