Flatbed scanner for slides.

I am looking for a flatbed scanner which does a very good job with 35mm slides. I have about $500 to spend, but feel I should be able to find one for somewhat less than that. (I prefer not to buy a dedicated film scanner, although I see a local merchant currently has a Konica Minolta model for $250.)

My current scanner is an Epson Perfection 1200U which is more than three years old. The slide adaptor is a large replacement cover which is bothersome and somewhat complicated to use. (The main cover must first be removed and then replaced with the slide adaptor cover.) Assuming that the current crop of scanners is more technologically advanced, I figure I should be able to find a decent flatbed which is slimmer, easier to use and yields better -- and quicker -- results.

Over a year ago someone at this forum recommended a CanoScan 4200F, for which I read a very positive review. By now, perhaps Canon has something newer and better. Maybe I should consider another Epson. I see that CNET gives the Epson Perfection 4990 (between $400 and $500) an very respectable 8.0 rating.

I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone with good suggestions. Thank you.