Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 review

A touchscreen network scanner might sound like a gimmick, but it's a surprisingly useful business tool as Simon Handby finds out in our review.

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The Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800

As a stand-alone device the N1800 doesn't need a host PC. Instead it's set up by following a wizard on the resistive touchscreen, which in use turns out to be accurate and quick to respond. The setup wizard is fairly self-explanatory, but the complexity of the scanner means that if you intend to implement all of its features you could spend some time working them all out. The full operators' guide, supplied as a PDF, has more than 500 pages.

Administrators are catered for with a network scanner admin tool... it's possible to connect to any N1800 in the network and access all of its administrative functions.

Administrators are catered for with a network scanner admin tool, which is downloaded directly from the N1800 via a web interface that doesn't work properly in Chrome we had to switch to Internet Explorer. Using the tool, it's possible to connect to any N1800 in the network and access all of its administrative functions, during which time would-be users are locked out it's important to remember to logout when finished.

From a user's perspective, the N1800 is far more straightforward. Once authenticated, staff simply load up a document and use the touchscreen to select a scan destination from those that you've configured. Once a document has been captured, they can if they wish use the screen to review each page before accepting the result and sending it to the destination. Scans are acceptably fast, with a 10-page simplex job taking 47 seconds at 200dpi. A 20-side duplex scan combining a mix of colour and black and white originals took just under one and a half minutes to complete.

Simon Handby
Simon Handby

After a brief career in corporate IT, Simon Handby combined his love of technology and writing when he made the move to Computer Shopper magazine. As a technology reviewer he's since tested everything from routers and switches, to smart air fryers and doorbells, and covered technology such as EVs, TVs, solar power and the singularity.

During more than 15 years as Shopper's long-time printer reviewer, Simon tried, tested and wrote up literally hundreds of home, small office and workgroup printers. He continues reviewing smart products and printers for a variety of publications, and has been an IT Pro contributor since 2010. Simon is almost never happier than when surrounded by printers and paper, applying his stopwatch and a seasoned eye to find the best performing, best value products for business users.