>>3035457Pakonfag here. Yes, they're worth it because nothing really compares for speed/quality, It's worth it's weight in gold if you shoot 56x24 or 65x24 or half frame. If you're looking for the be all end all in IQ tho, a DSLR/Macro setup will do the job better but slower while probably taking up more space.
To make things incredibly easy though, I'd recommend that you buy a windows XP desktop/refurb unit for £30 or cheaper. While it is possible to use virtual desktops, a lot of times you'll run into issues with the setup/install. You may also find that virtualization tends to disconnect or throw errors your way due to memory issues. If you're spending an obscene amount of money on a quick lab scanner, may as well throw a bit more in for a desktop and dust cover. Also join the facebook group and lurk the help files.