fujitsu scansnap s1500m vs canon scantini p-150

[lulubee3]

Hello,

I have done quite a bit of research on which scanner will be best for my purposes, and would like to gather opinions from those more "in the know" than myself. I am the owner of a small medical clinic with 3 part-time doctors. We have the task of converting all records (2000+ documents) from my previous employer's analog system to digital format. We have developed a system of cataloging (labs, chart notes, correspondence, etc.) to access information quickly and efficiently.

Purposes:

• Scan double-sided medical records, often hand-written
• at least 50 pages in ADF
• relatively quick
• (perhaps obviously) Mac OS X compatible

I have also considered a MF laser printer (MFLP) as a copy machine and to receive faxes, since our the toner cartridges for our MF HP printer are very pricey and quickly run out of ink. Regardless of purchasing the MFLP or the strait scanner, we are going to start using myfax.com to receive faxes in encrypted digital format.

The other question I have is dpi resolution for b/w scanning to a PDF so the file is legible if it is printed, but takes up the minimum amount of space.

Sources for purchase are also welcome.

If you have feedback on any of these points, I welcome your insights.

 

[flynz4]

I think the fujitsu S1500M is the premiere page scanner. It is fast, full duplex (scans both sides simultaneously), it auto rotates, auto blank page removal, and auto OCR. All of the features are individually selectable.

I also use it with DevonThink Pro Office which is a great document storage system. I can do lightning fast searches for any text in all of my scanned documents. I am not sure how well it would do OCR on the doctor's hand scribbles. The images will certainly be there... but they not convert to text if your doctors write like most.

/Jim

 

[lulubee3]

pricing

In checking out pricing, the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500M runs $420 plus shipping/ tax, with a refurbished one at $300. The Canon scantini is $250. The Fujitsu definitely seems to be a favorite, but I'm having some trouble stomaching the cost difference. Do you think refurbished from a place called PC Rush would be a smart choice (95% positive rating on Amazon over 12 months)? I'm hesitant to buy anything refurbished...

 

[robgendreau]

Anyone know if the Canon P-150M works with Lion? I've been looking at it and the ScanSnap, but I couldn't find the answer anywhere.

To respond to the OP, I would think that in an office with lots of multipage documents the ScanSnap would be better. I've seen complaints that the Canon sometimes pulls two pages through. Not a biggie with a three page document, but a major pain when you've got lots and lots of multipage documents. The real plus of the Canon is its speed and portability. And it can't hold as much in its feeder. Many of my colleagues use the ScanSnap in their law offices; it really would be better for heavy use. The software might also be an issue, although I think it's better to go with Acrobat Pro or something. The Canon uses TWAIN, which works with lots of stuff; you need to check with the ScanSnap.

There's a very favorable review of the Canon, BTW, over on MacNN.

I'd also be a bit reluctant to go refurb on something with lots of moving parts, unless it came with a good warranty.

Rob