Are you a remote worker or a digital nomad in need of a reliable, portable document scanner? The Brother DS-940DW might just be the perfect solution for you. This compact, duplex, and wireless mobile document scanner promises to deliver high-quality scans, impressive speed, and excellent portability. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive into the details and find out.

Scan Quality

The Brother DS-940DW shines when it comes to scan quality. It offers automatic color detection and adjustment, image rotation, bleed-through prevention, background removal, text enhancement, and color drop to enhance scans. These features ensure that your documents are clear, crisp, and professional-looking. The scanner supports resolutions up to 600 dpi, which is more than sufficient for most document scanning needs.

Pros:

  • Automatic Color Detection and Adjustment: This feature ensures that your scans are true to the original document, whether in color or black and white.
  • Text Enhancement: Perfect for making text documents more readable.
  • Background Removal: Helps to eliminate any unwanted marks or shadows from your scans.

Cons:

  • Software Limitations: Some users have reported that the accompanying software can be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as they would like. However, the quality of the scans themselves is generally praised.

Portability

One of the standout features of the Brother DS-940DW is its portability. At just 2.5 x 12.6 x 1.8 inches and weighing only 1.5 pounds, this scanner is incredibly compact. It's barely bigger than a box of spaghetti, making it easy to carry in a bag, purse, or even a large pocket. The Desk Saving Design (DSD) feature further reduces the amount of space needed to use the device, making it ideal for cramped workspaces.

Pros:

  • Ultra-Compact Size: Easy to carry around, perfect for on-the-go scanning.
  • Desk Saving Design: Requires minimal space to operate.

Cons:

  • Build Quality: Some users have mentioned that the scanner feels a bit flimsy, which could be a concern for those who need a more rugged device.

Connectivity

The Brother DS-940DW offers multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and the ability to scan directly to a micro SD card. This versatility makes it easy to use in various settings, whether you're at home, in the office, or on the road. The scanner also supports driverless scanning, allowing you to retrieve scanned documents on a PC without needing to install any drivers.

Pros:

  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows for wireless scanning to mobile devices using Brother’s free iPrint&Scan mobile app.
  • Driverless Scanning: Convenient for quick and easy setup across different operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Cons:

  • Charging Limitation: One significant drawback is that the scanner can only be charged via USB connection to a computer. This limitation can be inconvenient for users who prefer to charge their devices using a standard wall outlet.

Speed

When it comes to speed, the Brother DS-940DW does not disappoint. It can scan single and double-sided documents in a single pass at up to 16 pages per minute (ppm). Impressively, this speed is consistent whether you're scanning in color or black and white, making it a highly efficient tool for those who need to digitize large volumes of documents quickly.

Pros:

  • Fast Scanning Speed: Up to 16 ppm for both single and double-sided documents.
  • Consistent Performance: Maintains speed regardless of color mode.

Cons:

  • Initial Setup: Some users have reported that the initial setup can be a bit time-consuming, but once configured, the scanner performs reliably.

Battery Life

The Brother DS-940DW comes with an embedded lithium-ion battery, which adds to its portability. On a full charge, the scanner can handle a substantial number of scans, making it suitable for a full day of remote work or travel.

Pros:

  • Embedded Lithium-Ion Battery: Provides real mobility, allowing you to scan documents without being tethered to a power source.
  • Decent Battery Life: Users have reported being able to scan over 100 documents on a single charge.

Cons:

  • Charging Method: As mentioned earlier, the requirement to charge via a USB connection to a computer is a significant limitation. This restriction can be particularly frustrating for users who are frequently on the go.

Conclusion

The Brother DS-940DW is a highly portable, efficient, and versatile document scanner that excels in scan quality, speed, and connectivity. Its ultra-compact design makes it an excellent choice for remote workers, digital nomads, and anyone in need of a reliable mobile scanning solution. However, the limitation of charging only via a USB connection to a computer is a notable drawback that could be a deal-breaker for some users.

Final Verdict:

  • Who Should Buy: Remote workers, digital nomads, and anyone in need of a portable, high-quality document scanner.
  • Who Should Skip: Users who require a more rugged device or those who find the charging limitation too inconvenient.

Overall, the Brother DS-940DW offers a compelling package for those who prioritize portability and efficiency in their document scanning needs. If you can overlook the charging limitation, this scanner is a fantastic addition to your remote work toolkit.