ScanSnap iX100 portable scanner, Cloud app review
ScanSnap iX100
£130
Pros
- Compact
- Wireless
- Speedy scanning for size
- Automatic filing to cloud
- Searchable PDFs
Cons
- Feeder trays possibly a weak point
If you recall, I got hands-on with the rather natty Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 portable scanner. Well, recently they added some more features which makes this an even better bit of kit.
The iX100 is a real handy bit of office gadge. These portable scanners come in to their own especially with freelancers and the self-employed. You see, these scanners can tell the difference between a receipt and a business card. So, scan and the software files it where it should be.
ScanSnap iX100 scanner
It appears that I never got around to giving the iX100 a full review after my quick hands-on piece.
That’s a shame as it is a real nifty device.
It only weighs 400g and yet can scan full colour documents at just over 5 seconds per A4 page.
Even charts and diagrams larger than A4 can be scanned. Just fold it in half, scan both sides and the iX100 will automatically stitch it back together.
The iX100 is able to scan wirelessly to mobile and desktop devices, cloud services and office applications.
Not only that, it is totally wireless thanks to its rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery life is rated at around 260 scans.
You also get multitasking as it can scan two small documents, such as business cards simultaneously.
It is mostly plastic but it is sturdy. Only the feed trays feel a little lightweight but this isn’t a toy.
ScanSnap Cloud
Now, thanks to the ScanSnap Cloud feature for iX series ScanSnap scanners, your filing cabinet can be DropBox or other similar cloud storage. This makes it even easier to file or find documents wherever you are.
Furthermore, the new software has OCR capabilities. This makes whatever you’ve scanned a searchable PDF!
It allows scanning directly from the scanner to several cloud services, including Box, Dropbox, Evernote, Expensify, GoogleDrive, Google Photos, One Note, Concur Expense and QuickBooks Online, and many more.
In addition, ScanSnap Cloud can be configured to send different types of scans to different cloud services. It automatically recognises four types of scans – documents, receipts, business cards and photos — and can be configured to send each different type to a different service.
So, send scanned photos to go to Google Photos, scanned business cards can head off to Evernote, and scanned receipts to QuickBooks.
ScanSnap Cloud app
It gets even better!
ScanSnap now plays nice with iOS and Android thanks to the new apps.
Through this latest software, you able to scan documents, business cards, receipts and the like direct to your cloud storage of choice wirelessly, and your phone can get in on the action too. Not only can you scan direct to your mobile device, you can even scan using your phone’s camera.
Naturally, the app has the option to convert your scanned documents in to searchable PDFs.
To scan using your phone, just hold your phone over the document and the app automatically positions it and makes the scan. Whereas ScanSnap Cloud uses a scanner and recognises the type of document automatically, the app uses a slider to let you select the type of document.
From the app, you can also manage all of your ScanSnap Cloud scans, whether scanned from the app or the device.
ScanSnap Cloud app set up
Setting up your iX100 with your phone is easy – if you follow the instructions.
Assuming what the pictures mean doesn’t always work. That’s according to a friend, obviously 😉
The instructions are actually really clear and involves pairing your phone with the scanner’s Wi-Fi and then linking with your home network.
Once done, you can choose your cloud services via the app and manage documents, convert them to searchable PDFs, and all that good stuff.
Just read the instructions.
ScanSnap Cloud software performance
I have been really impressed by the speed of the uploads and the rate that the device can scan.
The neat thing using your phone as the scanner, aside not having to remember the iX100 every time you head out, is that the software does so much for you.
For instance, I scanned a train ticket and, without asking it to, it recognised that it was for Winchester and named it such.
Also, managing your scans from the app is so easy.
ScanSnap Cloud software conclusion
Whether you’re a freelancer, self-employed or a road warrior the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 portable scanner is a great and handy device.
But, thanks to this latest software enhancement, ScanSnap Cloud, it’s even more awesome. Not only is your document management in the cloud storage of your choosing, it can be totally searchable.
At a networking event? Just get your phone out, ‘scan’ the business card, make it searchable and you’re sorted. No more pockets full of cards or trying to remember where you put them.
This is your own pocket-sized secretary.
ScanSnap iX100 price and availability
The iX100 has been out for a few years now and you can read my initial thoughts about it here.
The apps are free with an allowance of 500 OCR conversions per month.
The scanner itself can be had for £130 on Amazon right now.
