The Scanners I've Used:
Minolta ScanDual IV vs Microtek ScanMaker i900

I now own two different scanners for scanning my analog film. One is the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV, which is a 35mm and APS-capable film-only scanner. I've never used an APS camera, so my tests of the Scan Dual IV are limited only to 35mm film. My other scanner, recently acquired, is the new Microtek ScanMaker i900, which is a very versatile flatbed scanner, capable of scanning film in sizes up to 8"x10" and reflective media up to 8.5"x14".

So which scanner is better? My comparative review of both is below. But if you don't have time to read further, here's the quick answer: if you're just scanning 35 mm film, the Scan Dual IV is better. If you need to scan medium- or large-format media, or need to scan both film and reflective media, the i900 is easily the winner. For the price, the i900 has much greater versatility per dollar, and is indicative of the amazing capabilities of the new flatbed scanners.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The physical differences between the two scanners are extreme: the ScanDual IV is about the size of a shoebox (slightly longer but narrower), while the i900 is as big as--and as heavy as--a computer box. You will need a lot of desk space to accommodate the i900.

The ScanDual IV (hereafter referred to as the "SD")  comes in a reasonably-sized box that includes the scanner, a printed instruction manual, software, film holders, USB cable, and an AC adapter (a very  large "wall wart"). The SD comes with two film holders: a 6-frame 35mm strip holder; and a holder that accommodates four mounted slides. One of the things I particularly like about the SD is its 6-frame strip holder; that is how I have cut film for years, and I'd have a very hard time suddenly having to figure out how to make all my film strips shorter than 6 frames. The i900 also has a 35mm film holder that accommodates 6 frames, two strips at a time. (The i900 has a big problem with medium format film holders, which I will get to below...)