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I need to find a portable scanner to copy documents to pdf at clients homes some times 30 + pages. I don't want a wand scanner and need it to store the files on sd card until I get home, any one out there using such a device and care to recommend?
Not exactly what you want, but the Scanable App is close...
Mobile phone? Many document scanner apps about. Or can just take photos, but the scanner apps will optimise the pics like a scanner and sometimes do optical character recognition.
e.g. Microsoft Office Lens. Scans and stores in OneNote and other places.
Or looking for something that will sheet feed given the number of pages? Probably not going to be portable though.
I do use the phone but its not a great solution especially in poor light.
I use google drive which does work on the phone but its really hard to get good results with the phone and no guarantee its good until you get home and view on the pc of course by then if its duff its to late.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i should do most of the things that you want.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i should do most of the things that you want.
This.
When you use your phone, are you using a dedicated app or just the camera?
Microsoft's [url= https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/p/office-lens/9wzdncrfj3t8?wa=wsignin1.0 ]Office Lens[/url] app is pretty handy and will save to PDF if you're happy just using a mobile. It's available for Windows Phone and Android.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i should do most of the things that you want.
Will it scan to an SD card as the OP specified? Don't get me wrong, it is a brilliant piece of kit and if mine broke tomorrow I'd go directly out and replace it.
When you use your phone, are you using a dedicated app or just the camera?
I tested a few and settled on TurboScan for iPhone.
This [url= https://epson.com/For-Work/Scanners/Mobile-Document/WorkForce-ES-300W-Wireless-Portable-Duplex-Document-Scanner-with-ADF/p/B11B242201 ]Epson unit[/url] doesn't seem to work as a stand alone scanner (and doesn't scan to SD card) but it does appear to scan wireless to a mobile phone or tablet. If you've always got your phone will you it'll double up as the scanner's storage.
OK the phone is all I need and google drive scan app can do the job the next thing is how to hold the phone in one position firmly enough that i can feed documents into the line of sight and press the buttons, so I am now searching for some sort of stand or tripod for the phone.
Did you have a look at the Epson linked to above? You'd need to scan to the phone (it's not stand alone) but it does appear to have a 20 page document feeder which, if you're scanning 30 page+ documents must be a time saver.
Yes agreed it would save time its on the "possible" list.
thanks for all the help
this also may suit although slower its a lot cheaper.
I have an older, larger version of the Fujitsu Scansnap (plus a couple of other big scanners). The S1300i is much smaller and more portable than what I have, and can be powered by USB. The network scanning feature on the Scansnaps is very useful, you can scan to a phone or iPad, but both devices must be logged into the same network, it's not like a Bluetooth device that creates its own mini-network. That means you will need to take a wireless router with you if you are visiting clients.
If you're doing this on a professional basis, you will be best to take a proper laptop and scan directly to that using USB. Screwing around trying to scan multiple pages with a phone is a massive PITA and the results will probably look amateurish. Carrying a small laptop and checking the results on the spot is much less trouble than having to go back and rescan everything.
My job involves scanning and OCRing tens of thousands of pages per year. If you are scanning more than the occasional document, you will save yourself time and money by getting decent equipment from the beginning.
Hi yes I appreciate what you are saying but I really want to avoid the scenario where I turn up in someones home and set up my entire office.
the copy's I take need to be readable so we can lift information for creating other documents I need to make maybe 100/200 scans a month.
With something like the portable Scansnap and a laptop, you need two pieces of equipment and can be up and running in a minute or so. In my opinion, that looks a bit more professional than turning up with a smartphone and messing around trying to take photos. Laptop plus portable scanner will do a fairly good job of converting text documents into searchable PDFs on the spot. If you're visiting clients, you really want to be able to check the results immediately and rescan with different setting if need be. Much better than having to make a return trip.
Check what software is included with the scanner. Something like the portable Scansnap will typically include software suitable for SOHO situations. The type of document and information will make a big difference. Documents with tables and images are a nightmare. Professional OCR software will do a much better job of that than something that runs on a smartphone.
OK thanks your experience is much appreciated when you say "searchable" does that mean I can copy and paste from the pdf ?
when you say "searchable" does that mean I can copy and paste from the pdf ?
Yes.
Also try the Canon P-215. I use the Fujitsu scanners around the office and they are very good but when it came to portable use the Canon was quicker and easier to get setup and scan the pages.
the Canon was quicker and easier to get setup
Yes. Shop around. Each manufacturer will have a range of scanners from portable to huge industrial grade machines. If possible, try some hands-on practice with different models.
Doxie Go ?
Cheap as chips, basic pass through scan of single page docs upto A4 saved to jpg ( unsure if you can set for pdf tho) on an SD card.
Works totally stand alone... Even versions that are battery operated.