Document scanning is not a sexy avenue in the world of consumer tech and we get that, but neither is being audited by the IRS. If you’re a freelancer or sales professional that absolutely must keep accurate and reliable records throughout the year. If you’ve logged enough miles on the job or spent too many nights away from your home office you’ve probably amassed enough paper receipts to make bookkeeping one of the items on tomorrow’s to-do list. Epson’s WorkForce ES-60W mobile document scanner promises to make it easier for you to get work done, even when you’re on the road. Here’s what we thought.
Epson WorkForce ES-60W Tech Specs (via Epson)
- Scanner Type: Mobile, Sheet-fed 1-pass color scanner
- Optical Resolution: 600 dpi
- Hardware Resolution: 600 dpi
- Maximum Resolution: 1200 dpi
- Color Bit Depth: 16-bit input
- Grayscale Bit Depth: 8-bit output
- Optical Sensor: Color Contact Image Sensor (CIS)
- Light Source: 3-color RGB LED
- Scanning Speed: 15 ppm (300 dpi Black-and-White, Color, Gray 1-sheet scan speed
Ease of Use
We’ve been using the Epson WorkForce ES-60W for a little over a month and a half and have found that the trickiest part of using the ES-60W was the initial set up. During our testing period, the scanner was used with 3 MacBooks (two Pros and an Air) as well as various iOS devices. The initial set up is often the trickiest part of using it, but once set up it’s simply a matter of plugging in and pushing the scan button.
A nice touch with the ES-60W is that the scanner is instantly recognized when connected to your devices whether plugged in via USB or via Wi-Fi. There’s very little guess work when it comes to using this scanner.
One of the biggest benefits of the WorkForce ES-60W is the ability to set up an ad hoc Wi-Fi network that works with both your desktop/laptop and mobile device and the scanner’s software. During a recent business trip, we were able to set up shop and keep up with paper sign-ups and expense receipts without once worrying about not being tethered or even having a laptop nearby.
In a handful of situations, the scanner was used to capture State ID cards – which obviously require the Epson WorkForce ES-60W to not only acquire the image but also not damage the card itself.
Which got us thinking…
WorkForce For Non-Work Applications
While the WorkForce ES-60W is meant for – well – work, we found that this little scanner works just as well for scanning photos, ID cards, and business cards with no problem. We found that the WorkForce ES-60W knocked out a stack of 4×6 prints (approximately 20) and Instax Square instant photo prints (10 total) in just a few minutes.
While there are apps that allow us to “scan” analog photos/prints onto our mobile devices, the Epson WorkForce ES-60W offered us the ability to quickly scan multiple images without having to find a perfectly flat, well-lit surface to work on. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need when you’re on the go.
Life on the Road
Thanks to the WorkForce ES-60W’s tiny footprint and long lasting battery, it’s easy to throw the scanner in a messenger bag, briefcase, or backpack and keep it handy. The built-in battery allows you to ditch the cables entirely when on the go and weighing in at a little over a half pound (0.66 lbs.) it’s pretty easy to convince yourself to add it as part of your mobile office.
Final Thoughts
The hardest thing about this review has been to neatly put a bow on it and make the ultimate determination – do you really need this product in your life. The more we think about it, the more the answer is less obvious.
While for most personal use, various smart phone apps fill the need that the Epson WorkForce ES-60W satisfies. Between Evernote, Google PhotoScan, and various PDF-making apps you’ll use maybe twice in a year the typical user will probably not get much out of this (or any other) scanner. But if you’re a road warrior or remote worker with very little space the WorkForce ES-60W provides you with a dedicated tool that’s a must for keeping all your business documents backed up and easily accessible – wherever you go.
The WorkForce ES-60W is reasonably priced and its ease of use makes it undeniably a must have for your home office. You can pick one up from Epson for $159.99.