Good reply (i.e. actionable info)--thanks. I'm at the point that I need to update my pc. Can you recommend a reliable company to build one to the specs you mention?

Thanks, Marty--
I've only used the original proprietary Nikon Coolscan (5000ED) software, which as has been said, is outdated and quirky--but I've learned to use it nevertheless. I'll look into your suggestion and appreciate your sharing the experience. How much, roughly, is the software that you mention?

That's funny--that is the very reason I haven't been keen to sell mine--I, like you, seem to find more and more slides from earlier times AND have become an informal "go-to" person among our friends who increasingly realize that their old slides don't have to stay cooped-up in a drawer or shelf somewhere. Kind of nice.

That's what I tried to say--with a dedicated 35 mm Nikon scanner you don't have the option of general scanning, like with the flat tops. In my case, I'm left with a nice paperweight/doorstop that can be recruited in the future for free slide scanning for friends. :-)

Good advice from actigner---I have the Nikon 5000ED mentioned and also found the software "cludgy", but workable--I think it was, as said, on a Windows 7 machine. Importantly, I found the actually crispness of the scans was very good, but the control of color, etc, not so good with native software. Since then I use Lightroom to tweak these features and it works great. Cost considerations may be an issue for smaller numbers as mentioned. And after you've scanned every 35mm slide around you, you are left with a nice scanner with no further jobs to do! Ha!

It would be interesting to learn more about the various ownership relationships among companies and various reference sources. In medicine we found bias--intentional and unintentional--in "independent" research, so it should be no surprise that this happens in the course of other activities. Just a reminder to be objective in our assessments--irrespective of "the source".

Yes, even though I regret real or implied conflicts of interest, I do appreciate the info and perspective of DPReview. And, along with Jerry, practically speaking this resource is usually only one input--UHH often weighing heavily in my thinking! Amazon will extract cash from me by one way or another--seems like I'm always picking up a little box at the front step--with Amazon on the label!

I had exactly the same problem--100+ Kodak Carrousels (there's a blast from the past!) jammed with same-vintage slides. I bit the bullet, after reading about quality, ease, and cost, and bought a Nikon Coolscan device. After a bit of a learning curve to account for my own technology inadequacies,as well as learning the "personality" of the device and cludgy software, I scanned over 10,000 slides, supervised while working at my desktop on other projects. Adding PP capabilities with Lightroom to the nice scans from the Nikon worked well. BTW, I've scanned about everything I can find in the basement so I'm willing to sell my Nikon to another amateur-in-need! But this is just my experience--please check UHH for the many, constructive, suggestions on how to approach this challenge. Aside, I can say that it has been really nice having material that would likely decay in the basement actually find a new life with family and friends who appreciate reminders of yesteryear!

Drat--yet another conflict of interest. Life is full of these. If only they would disclose this in the interest of credibility. That may help explain the destination of some of the links in DPReview. Thanks for the heads-up.

You have, over considerable time, demonstrated that your intentions are pure. Share the pics and prepare to seek forgiveness, not permission.

Good to hear from you! Tx. The Pgh Ctr for the Arts is about 2 blocks from where we live (off of Shady). I'll drop by and talk with them. Good idea.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will put that to work!

In that regard, any suggestions as to good sources to turn to for good value monitors? Tx.

Good point--as of last year, when we visited there, getting into Bandelier was entirely by shuttle because the parking area was so limited by flood damage and repair. The shuttle actually worked pretty efficiently but much of the trail that we were interested in was not accessible. So, as suggested, check it out before driving there.

And, oh yes, take the drive from Santa Fe to the Ski Run area--beautiful views on clear days.