Document Scanner: Which is the Best in 2022?
A document scanner is a necessary work tool in any office. The handling of physical papers is reduced and invoices, receipts and contracts are sent mainly through email. This requires scanning the physical copies before attaching them to the message to be sent over the Internet.
It is also useful in domestic environments, since, just like in offices, communications via email are very widespread. In addition, they are not only used to scan and send documents. They allow us to save photographs, card designs and other memories that could be lost on electronic media and in the cloud.
Note
- A document scanner is a computer peripheral device that digitizes physical paper documents and transfers them to a computer or other host device.
- Documents digitized and transferred to the main device can be stored on it, in online clouds or printed.
- The scanner can be connected to the computer or other main device through a cable (USB) or wirelessly (wireless): WiFi or Bluetooth, among others.
- The formats of the scanned documents can be varied depending on their purpose: PDF, JPG/JPEG, PNG, bitmap, etc.
What is a document scanner and how does it work?
A document scanner is essentially a peripheral device used to copy, through the use of light, printed images or documents into a digital format (color or black and white). In other words, it digitizes documents and photographs in paper format, transferring them to electronic formats.
The operation of a document scanner is as follows: there are devices called CCDs that capture reflected light by means of mirrors. These signals are then translated into digital format through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Finally, the PC receives the transmission of the resulting bit stream.
The best document scanners on the market
In this section we will present you the best models of document scanners available on the market. Thus, you will be able to compare between different technical proposals with specific characteristics. If you are thinking of buying a document scanner, here you will find a very useful guide so that your final choice does not disappoint you.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i – Document Scanner
This document scanner allows you to scan multiple pages and duplex at a speed of up to 12 pages per minute. Its system recognizes the size of each document, detects and corrects skews and displays the images in the correct direction.
In addition, it can be configured to automatically remove blank pages. You can choose between different functions depending on the objective and quickly: email, PDF files, word processors and tables, among other options.
It is compatible with Windows and Mac and works through a USB port. It has a small size, making it the best portable and practical option for use at the desk or on the go. Up to 10 pages can be stacked in the automatic document feeder and a simple push of its blue button will start the process.
Editorial Review: This option is ideal for those who need a portable, easy-to-carry, multi-page, duplex document scanner. It offers a wide variety of functions and is fast.
Brother Smart Compact Document Scanner
It is an office scanner for document management with a speed of up to 25 pages and 50 images per minute. This includes an automatic duplex scanning function and can work directly connected to a USB memory, without its installation on computers.
It incorporates WIFI connectivity, color LCD touch screen and 20 direct accesses on the screen. In addition, it includes a slot to scan plastic cards and identifications. You can scan to a computer, email server, network, and USB. Its document feeder holds 20 sheets of various sizes and thicknesses. Includes pick roller system and jam sensor for a daily scan volume of up to 1,000 sheets.
Editorial evaluation: This model is recommended for offices with moderate document management. It offers high scanning speed, automatic duplexing and extensive connectivity options.
The best portable document scanner – Houkiper Portable Scanner, Handheld Document Scanner
This portable document scanner lets you quickly scan images and store them in seconds. It is compatible with Windows XP or higher, and Mac OS 10.4 or higher. Offers 3 resolution modes and allows images and documents to be stored clearly.
It has a large storage capacity, as it is compatible with a 32 GB Micro SD card. Also, it can work with JPEG and PDF formats. Includes USB connection and power by 2 batteries. It is a small and compact scanner, ideal for taking it on business trips or using it on a daily basis at any time.
Editorial evaluation: This scanner is the perfect combination of portability and performance. Its lightweight, lightweight design is matched by its scanning speed and 3 resolution modes.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300 Mobile Document Scanner
It is a multipurpose scanner with real-time projection and video recording functions, ideal for working on various projects such as meetings, teaching, composition and writing. It adapts to any type of document up to A3 format. Allows you to scan exam documents, plans, magazines and catalogues. Its automatic continuous scanning function reduces the time per page to 1.5 seconds.
It is compatible with Windows operating system (version 8 and above) and is equipped with an HD LED light, which can be used as an auxiliary light source in dark rooms. In addition, it includes an 8 megapixel camera, and its scanning system includes functions such as intelligent continuous shooting, optical character recognition, automatic correction and filling of torn edges of scanned pages, among others.
Editorial evaluation: This scanner offers multiple features: advanced scanning system, camera and HD LED light. It allows scanning many types of documents, is fast and adapts to different needs.
More Read: Portable Computer Table
Buying Guide:
Before buying a product you have to know its characteristics. First, the generals. Then the specifics. Therefore, with a document scanner, the user has to understand the concepts, utilities and basic characteristics of the device. Below, we will try to cover as much information as possible about it.
How useful is a document scanner?
A document scanner allows you to convert analog documents to digital format. Once in digital format, these documents can be edited, stored or printed. The use of this type of device can be home or work. For this reason, there are models specially indicated for offices and others that are more manageable for homes.
The multifunction document scanner is very useful for certain professionals and also in many homes. However, it is not without some drawbacks. The main one is its size, which will grow the more functions we look for in it. Therefore, we are going to see some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a multifunction document scanner at home or in the office.
Advantage
Disadvantages
What budget do I need to buy a document scanner?
Each purchase is a balanced choice between quality −performance, guarantees offered by the brand and reliability, among other criteria− and price. A balanced and adequate price is one that we pay in exchange for a good that offers us the desired benefits for a sufficient period of time to amortize the outlay. As we saw in the five models that we suggested at the beginning of the article, the price range for a document scanner can range from €40 for a basic model with limited features to more than €200 for the most advanced or multifunction models.
Why is it important to digitize documents on scanners?
The digitalization of documents by means of a scanner is an essential process nowadays. Especially for companies that work with a large volume of documentation. We do not say it, the experts in the field say it: digitization processes are part of the day-to-day life of both SMEs, large companies and nations as a whole.
Also, as if that were not enough, digitization and preservation in electronic formats benefits the environment because it reduces the use of paper. All are advantages digitizing, right?
Are all document scanners the same?
In what formats are the documents digitized?
Generally speaking, there are two basic document scanning formats. In document scanners, we can normally choose between saving them in PDF or TIFF. A PDF is a bitmap that allows file sharing through free opening with Adobe. It is the ideal if we want to send it without altering its content.
On the other hand, a TIFF format file can be manipulated and edited at any time using free editing software. It is an older format than PDF and therefore has some problems, such as weight, because it takes up much more space and its portability is more complicated.
What operating system is needed to scan?
In principle, today almost all document scanners are compatible with Windows and Mac. But before buying a scanner we have to make sure of compatibility. Because a scanner incompatible with our PC will not help us much. Also, if we buy an old scanner at a reduced price, we must see if it is compatible with recent versions of Windows and Mac.
Technology lives in constant evolution. This has its advantages for users, but also drawbacks. Therefore, we must be careful not to buy obsolete models that last a short time. An outdated document scanner will not provide us with the desired service and functionalities. Our investment has to be profitable.
Scan speed
This technical specification of a document scanner is expressed in number of pages per minute. If we need to scan a high volume of documents on a regular basis, we will have to pay close attention to this detail. Otherwise, a slow scanner or one that doesn’t support automatic duplex scanning will greatly delay our tasks.
A volume of 24-25 pages per minute can be considered high, between 15-20 would be optimal and below 15 we would already find ourselves with more modest benefits that would not help us in an emergency.
Compatibility/Connectivity
What good is a document scanner that can’t transfer the scanned files to our computer? Before choosing a model, we must make sure that it is compatible with the operating system of our PC. The most modern models will be prepared to work with Windows and Mac but perhaps the oldest ones will not be.
The more connectivity options the scanner has, the more versatile it is. Thus, if it requires a USB connection, let it be 2.0 to guarantee higher transfer speed. If it offers wireless connectivity, it can be Bluetooth, WiFi, or both. In both cases, it is necessary to see at what speed the data is sent and received to guarantee instantaneity.
Summary
There is a document scanner for every user, depending on their needs, tastes and budget. It is important to follow the advice in this guide and compare models before launching into a purchase. Today, technological advancement makes it possible to buy some of the most advanced devices on the market at more affordable prices than years ago.
Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to the offers and opportunities that may arise to get a document scanner that guarantees the quality of the final result. Sometimes spending a little more time searching can save you a lot of money. Do you already know which document scanner you want? Get with him!
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