Hello, I will answer your questions, but notnecessarily in the order they
were asked so my answer is more like a summary.  I purchased Oscar from
Telesensory about 4 years ago.  I got the hp scanner with it because it
came with a package deal oscar software and scanner for $1600.  I chose
Oscar because I had previously had other TSI products which I liked and
because of Curzwall, and Arkanstone whose products I also checked out they
had the best local represssentative and best technical support.  Hope this
helps.  Maureen