This is expected though, as it is how the vendors keep the final selling price down. The middle range scanners usually have better plug-in software and better quality OCR results, but of course, this raises the selling price. Just like the software that comes with a new modem, it is usually deficient for your scanning needs. In practice, this is usually NOT the case. Just like ANY computer add-on, the software that runs it, and the knowledge of the operator often is the deciding factor in the degree of quality results you achieve.
Scanners are much the same way.
In my opinion, I'd place more value on the opinions of present owners of any given model of scanner than on its imperical statistics they sell them with. It is only if you don't mind VERY slow scanning operations and LOTS of lock-ups. A Power-PC chip and 32 megs of ram is a minimum configuration for my needs. If so, the top end software is what you should plan on buying for this task, or you will be very disappointed with the bundled software. Be prepared to spend more money on the necessary good software to RUN the low-end scanner, then the actual unit costs.