Stepping back to 2018, the year was abuzz with advancements in technology, and handheld scanners were no exception. These compact, portable devices had a major breakthrough, not just in terms of their efficiency, but also for their design and convenience.

Let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit the best handheld scanners of 2018, evaluating what made them stand out and why they were a hit among consumers and professionals alike.

The Emergence of Compact Powerhouses

As a new year dawned, the market for handheld scanners saw the introduction of several impressive models. The very first that cut a striking figure was the Epson WorkForce ES-50, a compact document scanner hailed for its speed and portability. But what separated the ES-50 from the rest was its built-in battery, allowing users to scan without a power source.

On the same wavelength, the Doxie Go SE Wi-Fitook portability a step further by providing wireless scanning. Although slightly less quick compared to the Epson ES-50, the convenience of Wi-Fi and the included software for easy organization of scanned documents cemented Doxie's place in the top scanning solutions of 2018.

The Barcode Scanner Revolution

Barcode scanners also saw a significant evolution in 2018, with models like the Inateck BCST-70coming into prominence. This 2.4 GHz wireless scanner boasted an incredible transmission distance and had the capability to save up to 2600 codes. Furthermore, the built-in 1800 mAh battery ensured up to a week's durability, making it an ideal choice for retail store owners and librarians.

The NADAMOO Wireless Barcode Scannerwas another barcode sensation, featuring two connection modes: 2.4 GHz wireless and wired. With an offline storage capacity for up to 10,000 barcodes and a scanning speed of 200 scans per second, it was sure to impress.

Advanced Photo Scanners in 2018

After extensively covering document and barcode scanners, a shift in focus to photo scanners is necessary. Always remembered for its precision and color accuracy, the Epson Perfection V39rose to prominence in 2018. Its high-quality scanning and sleek design, alongside advanced features like the option to upload scans directly to cloud services, made it a popular choice for photographers and designers.

Meanwhile, the Flip-Pal Mobile Scannerstood out as highly innovative. Its patented flip-and-scan technology, enabling scanning of larger originals, and the QuickStitch software capable of stitching multiple scans into a single image, made it a favorable model for scrapbookers and family historians.

Food for Thought

With all this discussion about the best handheld scanners of 2018, it's crucial to recognize the technological progression they represented. The emphasis on portability and convenience, combined with enhanced performance, set the tone for future models. The scanners of 2018, thus, paved the way, to a great extent, for the technological marvels we use today.

As the world continues its rapid technological expansion, one thing is certain: the evolution of handheld scanners will carry on. The handheld scanners of 2018 serve as benchmark models, influencing and inspiring newer designs.

With innovations around every corner, let's look ahead, but also remember to cast a gaze back, appreciating the revolutionary devices that had their moment in the limelight, like the standout handheld scanners of 2018.