In the world of gadgets and tech, trends evolve rapidly, and what was once cutting-edge can quickly become part of the consumer history. However, from time to time, it's essential to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and appreciate the devices that significantly impacted our technological journey. Therefore, in keeping with this sentiment, let's revisit and highlight the top handheld scanners of 2017.

A Year of Technological Advances: 2017

Before delving into the specific models, it's worth noting why 2017 was a remarkable year for handheld scanners. This year marked a considerable phase of innovation with manufacturers harnessing advanced OCR technology for better character recognition, improved scanning speed, and superior connectivity options. At a time when portability was beginning to take center stage in the tech world, these devices were able to beautifully harmonize convenience with functionality.

1. Doxie Go SE

The Doxie Go SE emerged as a game-changer introducing the world to the true potential of portable scanning. With its small, compact design, it was wonderfully adaptive to the on-the-go lifestyle. Moreover, its inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity showed that scanning wasn't confined to the desk anymore, allowing users to transfer documents directly onto their devices.

The Doxie Go SE also boasted a rechargeable battery and internal memory, both features unheard of for handheld scanners at the time. This meant the scanner was able to store up to 4,000 pages before needing to transfer data, bringing a new level of convenience to users.

2. Epson WorkForce ES-50

The Epson WorkForce ES-50 revolutionized the industry by demonstrating the harmonious marriage between speed and quality. The ES-50 could output polished scans in just 5.5 seconds, blazingly fast when compared against its contemporaries.

Despite its impressive speed, this model did not compromise on image quality or detail. It offered 600 dpi optical resolution, displaying excellent color depth and sharp images. Flexible power options, such as a USB power source, added another layer of convenience to scanning on the go.

3. Brother DS-720D

The Brother DS-720D, another remarkable model of 2017, was dedicated to delivering high resolution, crystal-clear image quality. With its 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, you could pick out even the finest print details with ease. This level of excellence was truly extraordinary for handheld scanners at the time.

What set this model apart was its innovative duplex scanning capability. With the ability to scan both sides of a document simultaneously, the DS-720D brought scanning efficiency to a whole new level.

4. Canon P-215II

Rounding off our list is the Canon P-215II. It stood out for its 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), a feature that automated scanning, thus enhancing the user convenience tenfold.

Not to forget, the P-215II boasted an impressive scanning speed, outputting up to 15 pages per minute. Its simple plug-and-scan operation, facilitated by the CaptureOnTouch Lite app, offered a wonderful blend of quality and convenience.

As we look back at these exceptional models, it's clear that 2017 truly was a banner year for handheld scanners. By all accounts, these innovations laid the foundations for the advanced scanning solutions we enjoy today. As we continue our march into an increasingly digital future, it's essential to appreciate how far we've come - and occasionally, take the time to appreciate the stepping stones of this journey, like the best handheld scanners of 2017.