SCANNER FEATURES WI-FI MEMORY

SCANNER FEATURES WI-FI MEMORY

It's hard to imagine wanting to scan a stack of documents while riding around in a taxi or catching some sun at the beach, but apparently there is a market for portable color scanners. One of the latest entries is the Xerox Mobile Scanner (www.xerox.com). Perhaps the most interesting thing about it is that it features a 4 GB Eye-Fi SD memory card — billed as the world's first wireless memory device.

 It works with Wi-Fi networks so you can transmit JPG and PDF files directly from the scanner to a computer, mobile phone, pad, or whatever. A free mobile app lets it communicate via a PC, Android, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or the Cloud. Note that its maximum optical resolution is 300 dpi which may be an issue for a few people. The device measures only 2 x 2.75 x 11.5 in (5 x 7 x 29 cm) and comes with a carrying case, rechargeable battery, and charger.

The retail price is $249.99, but the street price is a little lower. Before you place your order, though, think about how much having the Xerox name on it means to you. The device sure looks like a clone of the Mobility Mobile scanner from licensing partner Visioneer. You can pick one of those up for about $100 less.