Scanners are devices that are used in converting printed document, handwritten notes, objects and photos into digital files. They are time saving, easy to use and cheaper and comes in various forms and shapes including portable, sheetfed, flatbed and drum scanners. Each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

In between juggling assignments and battling grades, a computer scanner has become an essential device for students in digitalizing documents and images. Scanner make documents easier to store, organize and share information.
This article will examine the advantages of using portable scanners for students and some things to look out for when buying such scanners.

What are portable scanners?
These are scanners that can be carried and used anywhere and at any time. Instead of being powered by electricity, they rely on batteries, are smaller and lighter making it an ideal choice especially for students who are always up and about. Portable scanners can scan all types and sizes of documents, is eco-friendly, takes lesser space and enhance the sharing of information.

What can be scanned with the portable scanners?
*Books
*Handwritten texts
*Lecture notes
*Receipts
*Pictures and artworks
*Cards
*Other printed texts

Why is it important to students?
Portable scanners are very useful devices for students to improve their productivity, collaboration, and accessibility to information. Here is why;
Documents scanning: portable scanners make it easier for students to create digital copies of any type of documents such as handwritten texts, lecture notes, textbooks, handouts, receipts, and other printed texts. This makes accessing these documents easier on their various electronic devices like computers, tablets, mobile phones among others and they can easily search for specific information within the documents.
Easy sharing: as students are not always grouped together, documents can be scanned and shared on their various platforms instead of printing and sharing to individuals or manually copying or typing information. Getting a good scanner for computer allows students to focus on other tasks, activities or even catch some sleep. This helps students save a lot of time.
Speed: unlike the traditional scanners, portable scanners are faster and more efficient in scanning bulky or smaller documents. With portable scanners like CZUR’s they can scan a page in only two seconds and can scan multiple documents at a go.
Increase productivity: also, scanners can be used to scan and share physical documents among group members. This allows all members to have access to the same information, and makes it easier to collaborate on projects. Likewise, it allows them concentrate and work on other aspects of their school life.
Easy storage: Scanned documents can easily be kept on a computer, mobile phone or cloud storage service. This way it reduces the physical storage space for physical documents. It also makes the documents easily accessed as they can be scanned and converted into any format such as PDF, Word or JPG. Additionally, it can also be read aloud by screen readers for visually impaired students.
Image scanning: portable scanners can also be used by students to scan images and art works and convert them into digital files to preserve them, easily share and edit them. Portable scanners such as the CZUR scanners have high resolutions and color depths, can scan images of any size sizes and very fast.

What to look out for when buying portable scanners?
Resolution and color depth: scanners with high resolutions and color depth can capture more details than those with lower ones. If the scanners will be used mainly for scanning images, then it is imperative to choose one with higher number of pixels
Size: consider your space and the size of your documents before buying a scanner. If you will be using it at different places then it is imperative to choose one that is relatively small and easy to move and keep it
Speed: as time is of essence, you need to choose a scanner that is very fast in scanning especially if you will be scanning bulky documents and books.
Compatibility with your device: before buying a scanner, you need to check with the manufacturing company for compatibility information to make sure it would be compatible with your operating systems and any software you plan on using.
Brand reputation: you can check on the brand’s website for reviews, testimonials and referrals of the scanner you want to buy. You could also ask around to get others opinion of it.
Cost: it is important to consider your budget and needs when buying a portable scanner. A costly scanner may not necessarily be the most suited for your work.
Connectivity options: for students especially, who are always running here and there, it is important to get wireless scanner so it can be used in areas where it is not ideal to use wired connections.

Conclusion
To sum it all up, portable scanners comes in handy especially for students and business people who are normally travelling about. They make it easier to convert documents into readable formats as they are faster, can scan any document or image, facilitates sharing and easy to carry along.