It just occurred to me that it should be possible to write OCR software to read punchcards on your scanner. Not that I have any punchcards mind you, more of an intellectual exercise, but has anyone written such a thing?

Also, if you're desperate for a punchcard reader I suspect you could make an acceptable one with Lego Mindstorms. You'd have to use one of the popular input multiplexing schemes, and probably program it in nqc or legos, but it should be possible. Using the RCX's motor controllers and a couple motors and tires you should even be able to make it automatic feed. In fact, come to think of it, you SHOULD be able to build the thing with... lessee. two motors, a couple tires, and the light sensor. 'course your software on the RCX would have to translate awhat amounts to the scan of a card into data, but if the sensor is precise enough to tell holes from chads, I can think of a couple ways to do this.