Tips for Beginner (e.g. NeatConnect)

[ScanBear]

I have over two dozen large boxes of files I've accumulated over the years - letters, documents, receipts, photos, etc. I would like to digitize them and was excited to learn about the new high-speed scanners.

I've been doing some research and learned that they tend to be pretty specialized, so it looks like I'll have to buy TWO scanners - one with an automatic document feeder and a flatbed.

I discovered the NeatConnect and NeatDesk scanners, which look interesting. I'm not totally clear on the difference; it looks like NeatConnect simply does everything NeatDesk does but has a few more options. I don't have an Internet connection at home, so I'll probably save most files as searchable PDF's to my Mac.

Any tips or comments would be helpful. One specific question: I LOVE the standalone models - the scanners that can scan without being connected to a computer. Do you know of any good standalone flatbed scanners, especially ones that are relatively portable. I guess they can't get much smaller than the items one wants to scan (about 9" X 12").

Thanks.

 

[cabbiinc]

I think you need to figure out what you want. You're asking for a portable sheet fed flatbed for everything from receipts to photos that doesn't require a computer for an interface.

I've just Googled NeatConnect, and it appears to be a cloud scanner. In other words it doesn't store the scans in itself but rather it scans to the cloud online where I'd assume you retrieve it, but it needs wifi to work and it needs to be plugged in, I'm not sure how portable that is. It can also scan directly to a computer. It's from the makers of NeatDesk. One thing that Neat scanners do is digitize your receipts and documents. It uses OCR to turn the image into computer readable text, even going so far as to make the data into a spreadsheet (as far as I know). It is not something I'd consider as a decent photo scanner though as all I see from them are sheetfed scanners, which are inherent to distort the scan when one side of the feeding gets just a smidge slower than the other.

Canon makes scanners that are powered by the USB connection itself. It does require a laptop or computer to power that USB and to scan with. They are not sheet fed. You can use OCR software but they will not make spreadsheets.

Epson makes flatbed scanners and add on sheet fed lids. They are not very portable. Same goes for OCR.

There was a Kodak sheet fed scanner that was designed for photos and even film. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2389521,00.asp However I don't believe it's still being made and it only scans up to 4x6. It's not meant for documents per se. Same goes for OCR.

I think you'll need to re-evaluate what exactly it is that you want, prioritize what you need/want most, and figure out a decent compromise based on that.

 

[Ranchu]

Damn fine post, cabbiinc!