That said, your point is way off. OS X is not updated anymore than any major OS today. The updates are small updates as well. Taken a look at at the windows update list these days? Mostly security patches but core files are being updated.

OS X is based on a well known set of code and a standard driver model has been in place for some time. USB is also a standard. The problem is HP releasing a scanner and selling to both the Mac and Windows market as a USB Scanner. my understanding is that it is a parallel-port scanner internally, with an internal USB-parallel converter. Hence the issue with OS X USB. Cost of the scanner is not an issue.

Oh yeah, other scanners, from HP and other companies, manage to stay up-to-date, so it must be possible. Using your argument, all HP products should be lacking drivers but that is not the case. Even HP thought they could have drivers by 9/02. That was the original release date posted on the HP site. Then 11/02, then first QTR of 03. Only 3 scanners on the list still do not support OS 10.2.3-10.2.6, the 4400, 5300, and 6300. Of those, all are supported on 10.1.3-10.1.5 except the 4400. It is the ONLY ONE with NO OS X Support. That is HP, but your email shows your position before you even type.