Fujitsu just sent me the brand-new ScanSnap S1500, a major revision its popular line of document scanners. I bought my old Fujitsu ScanSnap S510 in early 2006, when I made the switch to a paperless law office. Since then, I have been recommending it to everyone.
The new S1500 is better-looking, faster, comes with updated software, and sticks to the ScanSnap formula: efficient and easy to use. For solo practitioners or small offices, a ScanSnap (or a few of them) is still the best option.
Here is what I think of the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 after spending an afternoon playing with it.
S1500 Form Factor
The S1500 (and S1500M for Mac) is a major update to the form factor. As you can see from the picture, this iteration of the ScanSnap is sleeker and more modern-looking. I like the new look.
As I note in the video, below, the S1500 does seem slightly taller, but the new “catch tray” is my only complaint (well, besides the fact that Fujitsu does not support Linux). It seems decidedly flimsier than the tray on my old scanner. I think it will probably hold up pretty well, but as you can see in the video, it does have quite a lot of give to it.
Fujitsu ScanSnap Bundled Software
Like all Fujitsu ScanSnap scanners, the new model comes bundled with Adobe Acrobat Standard 9 (PC) and Adobe Acrobat Professional 8 (Mac). For a paperless office, Acrobat is not strictly necessary, but it is very useful. Plus, Acrobat Standard is a $300 piece of software, while Acrobat Professional for Mac is normally $500, making the $459 ScanSnap (on Amazon) a pretty good deal.
The ScanSnap Manager is a useful scanning utility. I have it set to automatically detect color and double-sided pages, recognize text on the first page (for speed), and simply ask me where to save the file. It makes scanning quick and easy.
For, for scanning a stack of photos I had lying around, I just set the ScanSnap Manager to automatically name and save each photo to my pictures directory. I plowed through a few shoeboxes in about a half hour.
The scanner also comes with a few other bits of software, including a PDF organizer and a business card utility. I don’t use any of those, though, so I cannot comment on them.
S1500 Scanning
What really matters, of course, is how well the thing scans.
The S1500 is significantly faster than my old ScanSnap. As you can see in the video that follows, scanning five pages took 20 seconds on the old scanner, or about 15 ppm. The new scanner did the same pages with the same settings in only 15 seconds, making it about 20 ppm, a significant improvement.
Fujitsu ScanSnap scanners are meant to simplify scanning. They scan both sides of the page at the same time, and automatically detect double-sided pages and different sizes of paper, and the bundled software can automatically recognize the text in the documents.
All it takes to scan a stack of paper is a press of the big, blue button. This is especially useful for big stacks of discovery production. I just hit the button and let the scanner do the work.
In several years with my S510, the scanner would occasionally pick up two sheets at a time, so it pays to keep an eye on the scanner. It looks like the pick assembly is similar on the S1500, so I will keep an eye on it, just in case.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 in action
Here is a short video showing the relative speed of the S510 and the new S1500, along with a side-by-side look at the two scanners:
Conclusion
Like I said in the video clip, the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 is a great upgrade. It feels like the same scanner as my old S510, just better. And since I had no complaints, and lots of good things to say about my old scanner, that is a very good thing.
Update: Since the comments have gotten so long, I summed up the questions in a FAQ. Please read it first if you have any questions.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500 | Amazon
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500M (for Mac) | Amazon
Sam Glover is a business and consumer rights lawyer and the creator of Lawyerist.
Lawyerist is the #1 law practice blog. We write about marketing, practice management, career development, and more.
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@Ajith,
I bought the scanner with Rack2Filer since it was just $20 more. While I like the concept, I think it is poorly implemented. Also, since I have a smallish laptop with smallish screen, the resolution on the Rack2Filer’s open folder is too low to read the text on the screen. I can see it making a lot more sense if it is implemented on a larger screen laptop or at least 21″ monitor.
@Sam, what file structure do you use? Can you share with us your directory tree so we can get a sense of what works?
Sure. I organize my digital files much as you would organize a paper file:
Client Files
/000000 Client Name
-/Billing & Expenses
-/Correspondence
-/Discovery
-/Docs from Client (not produced)
-/Drafts
-/Notes & Research
-/Orders
-/Pleadings
-/Retainer
Also, when naming documents, I always name them with the date of the document first, starting with the year: yyyy.mm.dd name.pdf. This way, they always sort correctly by date.
How do you get around the linux compatibility issues? Do you just use windows?
Thanks and love the site.
@nick: There are no compatibility problems with Linux. The S1500 is fully compatible with Linux through the SANE project, and gscan2pdf is probably the best Linux scanner utility to go with the S1500.
That said, I do prefer the ScanSnap Manager software, and since I use Acrobat a lot, I run a copy of WinXP in VirtualBox.
Hi Sam…I too have the S1500 scanner and love it. Only problem I’ve come across so far is when scanning documents that contain straight lines or boxes. Most times there will be a slight wave in the line. Seems to happen if the paper being scanned was folder or creased. Appears also on paperwork that wasn’t folded. Not a big deal but thought I’d see if you were experiencing the same thing. If so, did your S500 do the same thing? Thanks!
@Jethro: Yeah, I have experienced the same thing with both scanners. What bugs me more is that it will not skip pages with lines, even if they have no writing on them. That technology apparently does not exist, yet.
Excellent review on ScanSnap Scanner. What file sizes are you experiencing. I’m trying to determine what storage needs my users will have. I anticipate using PDF a majority of the time.
Thanks for your feedback.
@David: Thanks! Regarding file sizes, see this comment.
Hi Sam. I found your website searching for ideas regarding the ScanSnap S1500 that I just purchased. Excellent information. Your articles and insights on all subjects are very useful.
To the point. I read your ‘paperless office’ pdf and have a few questions. I haven’t started wholesale scanning yet and want to start things off right.
1) Do you use the ScanSnap Manager to set up Cabinets and Folders for client files? If so, is the folder encrypted or password protected (not sure if the the software allows for this) or do you have to do this with a another program?
2) Pertains to 1) but if not ScanSnap Manager, which program do you use for encryption and how do you implement it? (ie, folder or whole drive)
Essentially, I’m a newbie at this scanning stuff and I want to execute it in an organized, secure, usable and scalable fashion. Any guidance you can give me is much appreciated!
@Werner: Look to the comments above for how I organize my client folders. Nothing fancy, just using my computer’s built-in capabilities.
For encryption, I prefer to encrypt everything rather than just a few files. To that end, FileVault is great on Mac. Linux has a variety of options for encrypting everything from the entire hard drive to a single folder. Windows BitLocker encrypts the entire drive, or you can encrypt directories one at a time.
Another option is TrueCrypt, and if you search for it on here, you will find a somewhat outdated, but still relevant tutorial for using it.
Very useful review. I love the fact that you get down to it and offer a comparison.
I have three questions:
1. Can I use the S1500 on a Mac or the S1500M on a PC? Obviously the driver/user software will be different but is the firmware compatible? If yes, then this might be another advantage of getting the new model. Someone at Fujitsu told me cross-platform operation was impossible with the S510/S510M. But they had no idea yet about the S1510. This was three months ago and I decided to wait.
2. Can it do transparencies like slides and negative film?
3.Does the absence of TWAIN support bother you?
1. Apparently not, I would go with what you hear from Fujitsu.
2. Since this is a document scanner, I would not expect high-quality reproductions of something small like a negative or slide. You could do it, although you would probably need to attach the slides to a piece of paper.
3. Nope. I don’t think I have ever used TWAIN for anything, anyway.
My scanner will be delivered in a few days. I expect to replace the computers I’ll hook it up to within about 3 months. I don’t know how many computers the Adobe software that comes with the scanner can be installed in, but it can’t be many. Can I download the scanner and adobe software to a flashdrive or something similar that I can reuse with different machines?
My understanding is that the Adobe software is for one computer and one user. I doubt the same applies to the Fujitsu software, which you can download freely from its website.
But you will have to review the end-user license agreement (EULA) and decide for yourself whether you are allowed to hack the software to run from a USB drive.
My “only” problem I have with the S1500 is getting it to work with Vista Ultimate. I have no problem with a Windows XP system, just Vista. It seems like there is a driver problem or something such that I can’t get either the new S1500 or an older ScanSnap to work with Vista. Fujitsu Tech Support made a couple of suggestions which didn’t work. Since I have relatively easy access to an XP system I’ve learned to live with the situation.
Regards, Merc
I have an s500 which I love. I use it with XP and Rack2 Filer. It is a nice implementation of a filing cabinet for the scanner. Has anyone used Rack2Filer?
Actually Adobe allows you to install their software on 2 machines, but only use on one. i.e. home/work or desktop/laptop. I wish all developers were as reasonable. You can always uninstall or deactivate on one machine and then reinstall on a new machine, so you don’t need a flash drive.
Julie K
Morning Sam, When scanning doc.’s on a single page setting how can I combine 4 pages i.e. visa statement, prior to moving to the credit card folder? Must be an easier way than changing setting to multi. pages than switch back to single setting?
And this site is very informative, THANKS.
Hollee G.
@Hollee: I am not sure what you are asking. If you just want to scan multiple pages to a single file, the ScanSnap should do that automatically.
Nice review, and something I will look at for my office. Any recommend scanners that don’t require a computer connection? Have a few offsite (my home) files I’d like to add to the company’s file server. Scenario… Take the “portable” scanner home, scan in the documents, bring the scanner back to the office, plug it into our network and offload the scanned documents.
@Shabash: I do not know of any. You would probably be better off getting a portable scanner (like the ScanSnap S300), and connecting it to your home computer. You could transport the files on a flash drive (preferably an encrypted one), and achieve the same thing, just not quite as smoothly.
If you do find one, though, let us know! We would love to get our hands on one and give it a try.
Shabash,
The full-size s1500 unit is the size of a small toaster and only a few pounds. If you have a laptop at work, you could easily bring the scanner and laptop home with you on occasion.
I am interested in buying either the ScanSnap S1500 or the S1500 Deluxe bundle but am not sure what the difference is. It looks like the same machine but possibly additional software. Is the “Rackfiler System” only available with the Deluxe package and is it worth paying for. The difference between the 2 is about $40.
By the way, great review and site. I found it while researching scanners.
I just got my s 1500 Bundle with Rack Filer 2 … seems easy enough..
As a private school we get a lot of tuition payments,, that we want to “attach” to a parent’s file… can we search based on the printed name on the check (payer)? can we combine separate checks into one page of the binder?.. or is each check another page?
@michael: You can search on any text if you OCR the documents. Whether you have two checks on one page will depend on whether you scan them on the same page.
What has been your reaction to scanning photos with this machine? I have boxes of photos and documents that I really need to scan for genelogy purposes. Do the scanned photos turn out as sharp as the film originals?
Al, while the S1500 will certainly scan photos, it is not a photo-quality scanner; it is a document scanner. If you want to scan photos at high quality, get a high-quality photo scanner.
Sam- Love the site and comments- keep up the great work!
I owned the ScanSnap S500 and want to buy an S1500 too. I have heard great things about the software that comes with the new version. Do you know if I can use the S1500 software with the S500?
Thanks!
You know, I have thought about that, but I haven’t tried it, yet. The S1500 is at work, and my laptop has the S500 software. If I can remember to haul my S500 to work, I will let you know, but you could probably get a faster answer by calling Fujitsu.
i have a scansnap 1500.. is there any way i can set it to where it wont scan th backside of papers?
Rachel, you can set that and many other options in the settings.
If you never want to scan both sides, right-click on the icon in your system tray and select “Scan Button Settings.” Click the “Detail” button to expose all the options, and go to the “Scanning” tab. Under “Scanning Side,” select “Simplex Scan.”
If you want to scan only one side sometimes, but not always, right-click on the icon in your system tray and select “Simplex scan.”
I’m thinking of this scanner for home use, to reduce the ever larger stack of monthly statements, bills, etc.
I was looking at the package with Rack2File and wondering if you had an opinon for this use:
I’d like to put in a collection of statements, e.g. non-related, and let them scan. I’d then want to on-screen “file” each page, or collection of pages, into folders based on the content, e.g. Visa bill, water bill, etc. The goal is to not have to grab the 3 page visa bill, scan, file, then grab the water bill, scan, file, etc.
Can I put in a “mixed bag” and then easily separate/file the individual scanned “pages”?
Thanks
Sam-
Quick follow-up to the question I had… I bought the S1500 & was able to use the S1500 software on my old S500 & 300 models.
Still playing around with it to see if this adds any functionality, etc.
Thanks for the great site!
Do you know if the scanner will alloy you to drag or scan new sheets into an existing file? I have tried draging it and that doesnt seem to work.
Thanks
The scanner will not, but Acrobat should let you do that. Or, just go to Document > Insert Pages in Acrobat.
I adore the ScanSnap 1500M. I have made my husband’s law office paperless, and am now on my way to convincing my father to change his office as well. It is a liberating feeling to bid rid of all this paper!
On another note, the only thing I’ve tried to scan that would not work for me is a passport. I tried it every way possible, and it seems to be too thick. Just FYI. Not a big deal in the scheme of things.
Just got my 1500M and it looks like I should have got the 1500. Is there a way to download the rest of the Vista software and use it on the 1500m. I have both operations systems. Everything seemd to work on both system. I prefer the Vista side though because the office software seemd to be better than the Mac office software for what I am doing. Therefore, I am wondering if I have to return the 1500M for a 1500 or can I just download or purchase the rest of the wnidows software and use the 1500M like a 1500. Thanks Sam for your information here.
Kevin, I think you will have to direct your questions to Fujitsu. I have no idea if there is a hardware difference, or not.
Thanks Sam. I been looking for the right tech number. I have tried a few with no return calls yet. The 1500m works on both the PC and Mac side of my Imac with bootcamp. It is just that the 1500m (PC version) does not allow scanning directly to word, excell Etc. I purchased word for Mac but it is not the exact program so when I scan into word or excell for the Mac side it is not the same as the pc. I will either have to return the 1500m for a 1500 or find out from tech support if I can just add the correct pc software bundle or not. I do really didg this product though. Do you have the correct tech support number to call?
I don’t, but I will see if I can find out.
Edit: 800-626-4686, opt 2.
Just spoke with tech support. They were knowledgeable. Here is the difference between the 1500 and 1500M. It is the software only. If you purchase Rack 2 software and adobe fine reader, they say it will work the same. As a PC guy that is trying to move only to Mac’s, this will allow me to learn the Mac while keeping the PC side going and make the change in my on timing. Thanks for the support # and creating this Forum!
Glad we could help!
here is a website wher you can download the different versions of software that comes with the 1500 and 1500m for all you imac and bootcamp users.
FineREader for ScanSnap 3.0 Windows: http://www.abbyydownloads.com/FR_for_ScanSnap_30/
FineReader for ScanSnap Mac:
http://www.abbyydownloads.com/Scansnap_MAC/
Can you also scan business cards with the scansnap? Thanks,Stacy
Definitely. It actually comes with a tool to manage business cards, but I prefer to keep my contact information in Google Contacts, so I do not use it.
I have been scanning with my 1500S for several months now. Before I s using it just to scan documents for electronic filing with the Bankruptcy Courts, but I went to a Paperless Office seminar on December 30, 2009 and now everything that comes in or out of my office is scanned and I am trying hard to get rid of paper files.
The only issue I am having is I have been having the same fax number for 3 or 4 years and I am very reluctant to change. I have incoming faxed forwarded to an online service that emails me the fax in pdf format, but I still send faxes manually and then scan the confirmation page and document faxed together for my digital file.
I do not see how I can skip that step when I am faxing 50-60 pages (each) at a time to 2 or 3 different attorneys. Those per page charges would eat me alive.
Hi: I just have a messy office. I was going to buy two or three literature sorters. I have magazines I like to save, bills, kids school stuff, records, recipes, collections of business cards. I need help to find things every time I store them on the computer. Am I going to be able to use this?
@Marcia: Do you mean you want to scan that stuff instead of using a magazine rack? You certainly can.
Marcia,
It sounds like your ability to use a ScanSnap is less dependent on its technology, than on your ability to stay organized and develop a paperless workflow.
Great site!
How does the ScanSnap 1500 handle small paper receipts – like those for parking, retail stores, etc…?
Do you scan them individually or paste them onto a page and feed it in?
Also, is it compatible with the Windows 7 64-bit OS? Only reason I ask is that my HP AIO printer does NOT work properly with Vista 64 or Windows 7 64-bit!
Thanks for your help.
Paul Hewitt, CA
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