For some time I've had a PrimeFilm PF1800AFL film/slide scanner on hand
but not installed. 

Our recent discussions about converting slides to digital led to comments
about film scanners.  ... I decided that it was time to install my film scanner. 

Here are some of the issues that have come up ...

1.  microsoft Windoze ME does not allow 2 image scanners to be attached
at the same time. 

1a. I have no idea why they thought that was a good implementation. 

1b. Later versions of Windoze may not have that limitation -- YMMV. 

2.  It was necessary to remove the cable to my hp 3970 flatbed scanner
in order to get the film scanner software to install. 

2a. Thereafter, it was necessary to firmly insert the USB cable and (especially)
the power cable into the scanner to make it work again ... after seating that
power cable properly, the scanner worked and I stopped tearing my hair out!!!
(in the computer business, we call that 'operator error' ... LOL)

2b. No amount of software fiddling would allow both scanners to be cabled up
to the PC at the same time. 

2c. In order to switch between the scanner and the film scanner, rebooting
the PC seems to be necessary, in addition to removing cables. 

3. The only control switch on the film scanner is the power switch. 

3a.  That might seem like a good idea ... until you find that you can't get a
film scan to start.  It turns out that firmly pushing the film into the scanner
is what gets it going.  (another instance of 'operator error')

3b. It is possible to load film into the scanner even though the software
won't run because the flatbed was cabled up at the same time. 

3c. Since the only switch is power on/off, the film scanner software must be
running to click an 'eject' icon to get the film out of the unit.  Clever, no???

4.  Dust scans very well. 

5.  You will probably have to fiddle with the color balance controls in the
scanner software for each frame. ... OTOH, it's worth the effort. 

I'll try to make additional errors for your edification and amusement -- that
way you won't have to make so many of your own.  LOL

--
Martin