>>Does anyone know if and where scanners and hard drives are available at
>>academic pricing?
>
Possibly Rtek Systems of Colorado.  I bought software from them at an
academic discount. I haven't dealt with them for three years, so don't know
if this web address is still good (or if they still exist!):

www.rmi.net/rtek
FAX: 970-323-5009

Willow Zuchowski
Monteverde
Costa Rica