Railfan Technology > Negative & slide scanner recommendations

So with Christmas merch already in the big box stores now (even though Halloween is still about 4 weeks away!), the missus is wants to know what's on my "Christmas List".  Pretty sure she's not going to buy me a new Ford Bronco, so I was thinking that its time to get a scanner and start spending a bit of time trying to digitize old photos (both family and railroad related).

So, what's currently the best negative & slide scanner, in say the under $500 price range?   Right now I'm afraid I am one of those working guys who has 12 hobbies he is interested in and not a lot of free time.  So I don't necessary want to go "all in" on a $1,000+ scanner and have it spend a lot of time collecting dust until I retire in another couple years. So my wish list is:

• makes great scans of old 35mm negatives and slides
• easy to use
• small footprint on my desk (i.e., not a big flatbed format)
• Wireless connection to my computer or network
• $500 price range (+/-) max

Also, from reading recent threads here on TO it sounds like I will end up wanting Photoshop or Elements, etc. to clean up photos.  Maybe Santa will put that in my stocking.  So for software, what do you recommend for one just beginning to scan old photos?   I'm thinking in terms of ease of use, etc.?

Grateful for any recommendations you have.

Here's hoping someone can help you find a quality small-footprint scanner. Inexpensive quality flatbed scanners are even getting harder to find. They are out there, but many seem to be refurbished.
Bob

For new, I think your only option would be the Plustek scanners. But scan speeds are going to be slow. Do you have a digital camera with a macro lens? Is something like this an option for you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmaE589u_XA

Arved Grass
Fleming Island, FL

Several of my pals recommended the Kodak Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer RODF-50 , to me.  So I bought one.  Current street price is under $200.

It has a 5” LCD Screen.  It will convert negatives & slides to digital 22MP JPEGs.  Holders for 135, 126 and 110 film & slides are included.  You have to supply a >= 32 GB SD or SDHC card, or it does not work.  No WiFi, either.  Take a look at one of my slides from circa July 1979, scanned with this scanner.  If you like it, great.  If not, no worries.

Sample slide scanned with Kodak RODF-50 scanner on TO

Thanks for the info everyone.  
Sounds like I will try the Kodak, the buy-in is not a big deal and I am guessing the images will be good enough for sharing photos with the family. Its not like I am working to scan the collection of some accomplished photographer.