Document scanners are essential for digitizing paper documents, aiding the transition to a paperless society. Whether for personal or professional use, choosing the right scanner depends on your purpose, connectivity, and budget. Here's a quick guide to the best scanners of 2017:
Top Brands and Features
- Neat Scanners
- Features: Cloud scanning for direct uploads, fast scanning at 24 pages/minute, simple controls.
- Price: Higher entry price ($179.95 - $499.95), with optional cloud subscription.
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Best For: Home and small office use.
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Epson Scanners
- Range: Portable to network-ready options for home and office.
- Strengths: Reliable and well-suited for small and large businesses alike.
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Best For: Home and small offices.
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Plustek SmartOffice
- Ease of Use: One-button scans to PDF/Excel and auto corrections.
- Price: Affordable, mid-range pricing.
- Drawbacks: Some user reports of unreliability and limited menu display.
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Best For: Home and small offices.
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Fujitsu ScanSnap
- Specialty: Mobile to heavy-duty scanners, renowned for document security.
- Reputation: Well-respected globally, though less so in the US.
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Best For: Home and small offices.
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HP Scanjet
- Versatility: Flatbed and sheet-fed options for varied scanning needs.
- Reputation: Affordable, reliable, and widely available.
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Best For: Casual home use, home offices, and small offices.
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Xerox DocuMate
- Durability: Designed for rigorous use with 50+ years of experience.
- Price: Higher entry cost, but reliable for high-volume tasks.
- Limitations: Parts and products less available for individual consumers.
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Best For: Home and small offices.
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Doxie Scanners
- Focus: Portable, app-compatible scanners designed for younger, digital-savvy users.
- Integrations: Works seamlessly with Dropbox and Evernote.
- Best For: Casual home users and home offices.
Key Features to Look For
- Paper Handling
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Automatic feeding, duplex scanning, and compatibility with multiple paper sizes.
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Connectivity
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USB, Wi-Fi, and cloud integrations.
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Output Options
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PDF, JPG, OCR compatibility, and integration with popular software like Excel.
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Ease of Use
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Plug-and-play setup, intuitive menus, and one-touch functionality.
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Speed & Resolution
- High pages-per-minute and adjustable DPI for detailed or quick scanning needs.
Who Should Buy Document Scanners?
- Casual Home Users
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For occasional scanning of receipts, tax forms, or personal documents.
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Home Office Workers
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Frequent scanning needs for contracts or business files, with space-saving benefits.
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Small Offices
- High-volume scanning with features like auto-feed and network compatibility.
Pro Tip: When selecting a scanner, consider your volume of use, file compatibility, and desired features to ensure the best fit for your needs!
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