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.

• Best For: Home and small office use.

• Epson Scanners

• Range: Portable to network-ready options for home and office.
• Strengths: Reliable and well-suited for small and large businesses alike.

• Best For: Home and small offices.

• 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.

• Best For: Home and small offices.

• Fujitsu ScanSnap

• Specialty: Mobile to heavy-duty scanners, renowned for document security.
• Reputation: Well-respected globally, though less so in the US.

• Best For: Home and small offices.

• HP Scanjet

• Versatility: Flatbed and sheet-fed options for varied scanning needs.
• Reputation: Affordable, reliable, and widely available.

• Best For: Casual home use, home offices, and small offices.

• 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.

• Best For: Home and small offices.

• 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

• Automatic feeding, duplex scanning, and compatibility with multiple paper sizes.

• Connectivity

• USB, Wi-Fi, and cloud integrations.

• Output Options

• PDF, JPG, OCR compatibility, and integration with popular software like Excel.

• Ease of Use

• Plug-and-play setup, intuitive menus, and one-touch functionality.

• Speed & Resolution

• High pages-per-minute and adjustable DPI for detailed or quick scanning needs.

Who Should Buy Document Scanners?

• Casual Home Users

• For occasional scanning of receipts, tax forms, or personal documents.

• Home Office Workers

• Frequent scanning needs for contracts or business files, with space-saving benefits.

• 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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