Today, the best OCR scanners are much cheaper than they were some six or seven years ago. While the OCR (optical character recognition) software that enables you to scan your documents in text and convert them into word processing document may not always come as one, there are some devices that offer this service.
Generally, OCR reading devices are usually classified into two important segments – the text input and the data capture. In the case of text input, the devices are usually document scanners that can scan whole documents. They are also suitable for scanning large parts of a document. Data capture devices, on the other hand, are suitable for capturing repetitive data and in addition, can also perform some formatting functions
When buying an OCR scanner, the most important thing that you need to do is check its optical resolution which is usually measured in dots per inch (dpi). You will also want to consider the color depth also known as the bit depth. The bit depth is simply the amount of information that gets captured in every pixel in the scanning process.
The more the dpi and the color depth, the better the scanner as it’ll result in a high-quality looking scan. That said, below are some of the best OCR scanners that you can find in the market today.
1. Visioneer Patriot H60 Duplex Color Scanner
Introduction
The Visioneer Patriot H60 scanner is one of the best OCR scanners on the market as it scans accurately and quickly. It has a comprehensive software bundle combined with a huge daily duty cycle.
Pros
The Visioneer Patriot scanner happens to be among the fastest scanners in this category and has the ability to save your documents as searchable PDFs. It has been built with an impressive and functional software bundle such as the OneTouch scanning interface facility that is easy to use, document management programs as well as the state-of-the-art OCR.
This scanner is ideal for medium-sized workgroups and offices and has the capacity to do moderate-to-high volume document scans. This particular device has a daily duty cycle of 10,000 scans and holds 120 sheets of paper in its feeder. While it may be slightly bigger and heavier than most scanners, it can still comfortably sit on any average-sized desktop and when folded, can take very little space.
The scanner comprises of a monochrome LED that allows you to select workflow profiles coupled with up and down buttons that come in handy when you need to scroll through the profiles. In addition, there are other buttons that you can use to initiate one-sided scanning, two-sided scanning as well as power. This H60 scanner has a long display that shows both names and profile numbers.
Cons
It is quite pricey.
2. The IRISCan Book 5
Introduction
The IRISCan Book 5 is another great OCR scanner that will not need you to have a laptop before you can get scanning. The handheld design makes it easy to set up and use and comes with a USB cable and a 4GB MiniSD card.
Pros
With this particular scanner, you are able to scan without a computer and send your scans to your smartphone or tablet. It also comes with a software that lets you convert scanned text to editable text. This means that you can edit your scans after you have scanned them. The Book 5 scanner is different than most scanners as you will have to drag the scanner over the document you are scanning.
Its name emanates from the fact that it was primarily designed for scanning the pages of books and magazines without you having to tear them. The device also supports Wi-Fi connectivity which helps you directly send your scanned documents to your mobile devices and weighs 5.4 ounces. You can control your scanning from the different button sets – power, menu, scan, up menu, down menu, file format, dpi, trash (delete), Wi-Fi, back and playback – that are on the color LCD screen.
The end of the scanner where you hold is slightly tapered for an easy grip. On the top edge, there is a miniUSB port that you can use to transfer data and charge the device. On the bottom edge is where you will find the slot for the 4GB microSD card. The scanner has a rechargeable battery that can do about 100 scans. You can, however, connect the device to your laptop using the USB cable and charge while scanning.
Cons
It has a short battery life.
3. Xerox Duplex Travel Scanner
Introduction
The Xerox Duplex travel scanner is not only an easy to use the scanner but also works without the need for power cables which makes it an ideal traveling OCR scanner.
Pros
Apart from its amazing color scheme, the Xerox Duplex scanner is quite affordable and weighs only 1.1 pounds. This scanner supports two-sided scans even though you will manually have to turn the document yourself. It has a daily duty cycle of 100 scans and comes with a USB 2.0 cable, installs disk, setup manual and a vinyl drawstring canvas bag for storing it when you need to carry it around.
The Power PDF feature allows you to do more than just save your documents as PDF and read and view them. Using the feature, you can edit text, remove and add graphics and photos as well as make any other significant changes that you may need.
Cons
It has no control panel, is a bit slow and requires a PC for you to operate it. Because you have to insert the papers and change for two-sided scanning manually, the scanning process can be tedious.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i Scanner
Intro
Fujitsu is another top scanner brand that is well-known. The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i, despite being a small-sized scanner, packs some exceptional features that are found in larger desktop models. It easily eliminates blank pages and scans both pages saving you paper.
Pros
- It’s small and can easily fit in your laptop bag making it portable
- Because of its portability, it’s an excellent travel scanner for those who need an OCR scanner they can take with them on the road
- It delivers error-free scans regardless of whether you are scanning a business card, an extra long invoice, drawings or receipts
- Scan and create multi-page PDF documents that are searchable
- Ability to scan to editable Excel and Word files
- It has a 10-page automatic document feeder and can scan double-sided color pages which helps you save on papers
- Ability to scan different types of documents such as receipts, extra-long pages, receipts, etc.
- The intelligent scan correction d help guarantee quality scans as it features an automatic color detection, a blank page removal and auto rotation for upside down images or documents
- The software is easy to use
- Compatible with most could services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, etc. making it easy for you to scan and save directly to the cloud
Cons
- Some customers have complained that the paper jams quite a lot
- The orientation software doesn’t work as expected all the time
Final Thoughts
Today, thanks to technology, there are hundreds of scanners from different brands that can all cater to your needs. And while there may be many scanners, it doesn’t mean choosing just about any scanner without seeing if it’ll be suitable to your own needs. Remember, some scanners support scanning of various files and in different formats while others don’t.
Consider first your need before considering other factors such as the size, features, and use among others. Your need will enable you to know the features to look out for.