Although the average scanner will be able to meet most people’s needs and scan the usual stuff into a computer, every now and again, there are other scanning needs which must be met. The Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner is one such scanner that has been designed to meet the odd needs that traditional scanners are unable to satisfy.
Most scanners pretty much look the same and work in the same way: they’re connected to a computer, the document is placed on the scanning bed, the lid is closed, and a button is pressed. The Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner, however, does not work like this and may give people the opportunity to scan in those odd items a traditional scanner can’t handle.
Unique Feature of the Flip-Pal
In order to allow people to scan an image anywhere they go, the scanner was designed to scan images without the need for a computer. One unique thing about this scanner is that it runs on batteries and doesn’t need to be hooked up to a computer to work. Instead, it writes images to an SD card much like a digital camera. The images can be removed from the card by placing it into an SD card reader or a special slot on a computer.
This scanner was also physically designed with mobility in mind. It weighs very little and is about the same size as a small notebook. This allows it to easily fit in a backpack or tote bag. The combination of small size, battery-operation, and independence from a computer also means you can scan anywhere – you could scan through a box of old photos while watching TV on the couch.
The other unusual thing about this portable scanner is its lid can be removed, allowing the scanner to be flipped over onto an item for scanning. This is useful for larger items or items that cannot easily be placed on top of a scanner bed such as old photo albums or delicate scrapbooks.
Photo Album Scanning
The Flip-Pal scanner is especially useful for scanning photos that can’t be removed from their albums. This is because the scanner’s lid can be removed and the scanner itself can be placed on top of the photo in order for scanning to begin. However, while the Flip-Pal may be best suited for scanning photographs, it can also be used for scanning large items for stitching together using the provided software.
It is also simple and easy to scan arts and crafts projects, like quilts and scrapbook pages because of the “flip”option. Along with this versatility, the mobility allows you to scan old photos at a family’s house, historical documents at the local archive, or some even some plants outside. Basically, anywhere you can carry this scanner to is where you can use it.
Best Uses of the Flip-Pal
When it comes to scanning many larger size documents or file, this scanner may not be ideal. It is probably better suited for scanning items like photos, the occasional document, as well as items that cannot be removed from their locations. For example, if you needed to scan a photo that was glued into an album, you could remove the scanner’s lid and place the scanner on top of the photo in order to scan it.
The Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner will not be able to fully replace a standard scanner, but it will work very well for scanning the occasional item, photos, and craft projects. Its versatility and mobility also make it ideal for the student or anyone who does library research or who travels. Anyone who needs to scan odd things or old photos may be served well by the Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner due to its small size and its removable lid.
The Flip-Pal is also very affordable, making it a great gift idea for the less techie person who has a lot of old photos, the family genealogist, or the scrapbooker and other hobbyists. It is also a great gift idea for the student or for someone who travels.
