Unless the machine includes software that lets me program it to turn on
and off when I want (or can read my mind) then the technology hasn't
evolved to the point where I don't need a power switch.
It's at the same time more complicated and simpler than that... ;o)
The main reason why most flatbeds don't have a power switch is because
it would be virtually useless due to the external ("brick on a leash")
power supply (see below).
And the reason why the power supply itself doesn't have a switch is
quite mundane. The cost! The price pressure is so high and the margins
so paper thin that manufacturers literally try to save every penny.
The cost of a power switch may seem insignificant, but it all ads up.
Now, even if the scanner can be woken up with software it still draws
power because it's not really totally off, but in a standby mode.
Sometimes, this can actually be heard if one listens to the power
supply which often produces a faint buzzing sound.
Finally, an alternative to a separate power bar is to simply cut the
power cable and mount a switch! This requires virtually no technical
skills and anyone should be able to do it. The only thing to watch for
is that this switch should be mounted on the part of the cable closer
to the power socket.
What I mean by this is that most external devices these days some with
"brick on a leash" power supply. The "brick" has two cables coming
out, one (which is fixed) to connect to the device and the other one
(which is removable) to connect to the power. It's this other cable
which should have the power switch. Since that's a standard cable it's
easily and cheaply replaced even if ruined in the above process.
Last but not least, virtually all "brick on a leash" power supplies
these days are "bisexual" and work with both 120 V / 60 Hz (US/Canada
power) and 240 V / 50 Hz (Europe). All that's needed is one of those
standard cables with an appropriate power connector at the other end.
Don.
