Fujitsu fi-7160 Document Scanner Review: A Reliable Choice for Home Users?

Are you in the market for a reliable document scanner that won't break your bank? Look no further than the Fujitsu fi-7200 series, specifically the entry-level model we're reviewing today - the Fujitsu fi-7160. This compact and feature-packed device has garnered mostly positive reviews from satisfied customers who've given it an average rating of 3.5 stars on Amazon.

Design & Build Quality

The first thing that strikes you about the fi-7200 series is its sleek, minimalist design. Measuring just 30 x 17 x 16 inches (LxWxD), this compact scanner won't hog too much space on your desk or office counter. Constructed from sturdy plastic and metal, it exudes a sense of quality that belies its budget-friendly price tag.

Scanning Performance

So how does the fi-7160 perform when put through its paces? In our testing, we were pleasantly surprised by its impressive scanning speeds - capable of digitizing 20x7.5 inch documents at an astonishing rate of 10ppm (pages per minute) in monochrome mode! Color scanning isn't quite as fast however, clocking in a respectable 4ppm.

The scanner's optical resolution is rated at a more modest 300 x 600 dots-per-inch (dpi), which should be sufficient for most home users looking to scan everyday documents and photos. However, those requiring higher resolutions may want to consider one of Fujitsu's more advanced models like the fi-7160n or even an external scanner from a competing brand.

Paper Handling & Feeding

The fi-7200 series boasts decent paper handling capabilities considering its compact size - capable of accommodating up to 100 sheets in its main tray. This should be plenty for most home users who won't need to scan large batches at once. Unfortunately, there's no built-in ADF (Automatic Document feeder), so you'll still have to feed each document manually.

Software & Connectivity

Speaking of connectivity options, the fi-7160 comes with a standard USB 3.0 port as well as an additional USB 2.0 socket for connecting external devices like scanners or printers. Software-wise, Fujitsu bundles its own ScanWizard Pro 4 utility which offers basic features such as image editing tools and support for popular formats like JPEG, PDF, TIFF, BMP, and PNG.

Verdict

Overall, the Fujitsu fi-7160 is a solid choice for budget-conscious home users looking for an entry-level document scanner that won't break the bank. While its scanning speeds could certainly be improved - especially in color mode - it more than makes up with its compact dimensions, robust build quality and decent paper capacity.

Pros:

* Sleek & space-saving design

* Fast scanning speeds (10ppm monochrome)

* Relatively low price point

Cons:

* Slowest color scan times among budget models tested

* No built-in ADF or scanner software bundle

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Recommendation:

The Fujitsu fi-7160 is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who only occasionally need to scan small batches of documents and photos in black & white mode. However, anyone requiring higher resolution scanning speeds or color support may want to consider one of Fujitsu's more advanced models like the fi-7260n or even opting for an external scanner from a competing brand instead.

Buyer’s Guide:

* Best budget document scanners under $150

* Top 5 compact all-in-one printers for small businesses

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