Travel-friendly scanner “Doxie” to begin shipping in March

Easily scan, store, or share documents with Doxie, a portable scanner set for release next month.

Scanning documents just got a little easier with the introduction of Doxie, a portable scanner that includes support for a number of cloud services. Seen previously at select tech events, Doxie officially debuted today at Macworld Expo and its makers announced that it will begin shipping next month.

Doxie ($129 USD) is a scanner designed for travel and portability. Supporting both Mac and Windows PC’s, it can quickly scan documents or photos. Once scanned, users have the option of uploading the resulting file (PDF, JPG, or PNG) to Backpack, Evernote, Flickr, Google Docs, iPhoto, Picasa, Picnik, Scrib, Tumblr, and Twitter. The file can even be shared instantly with others via Doxie’s Cloud service. Interested buyers can pre-order the scanner and expect delivery in Canada beginning on March 30, 2010.

The full-range of features includes:

• Color scanning at up to 600 dpi with automatic page detection
• Lightweight, ultra-portable design with included case
• Doxie’s Heart Button: innovative multi-action button for one press scanning and sharing
• Included software for simple scanning and direct cloud sharing
• Direct integration with popular desktop and web apps
• Free Doxie’s Cloud service for turning paper into URLs for instant sharing
• Automatic cropping, rotation, and image cleanup for crisp, clean scans
• Advanced photo editing with direct support for the Picnik online photo editing suite
• Save as PDF, JPEG, or lossless PNG
• Fully-accessorized with cloud scanning software, USB cable, guide, leatherette case, photo scanning sleeves, and a pack of six designer skins

I’m not much of a fan of the in-your-face girliness of Doxie. I know people think women are often neglected when it comes to gadgets but going from one extreme to the next doesn’t seem like the answer. I’m secure enough to keep something like this on my desk or in my luggage, but I would have preferred something less loving.

Still, the portability of Doxie makes it a product worth considering for someone who needs to scan and share documents while traveling or on-the-go. While this isn’t the only portable scanner coming to market, the integration with web apps like Google Docs and Evernote will make storing important documents in the cloud an easier experience.

Filed Under: Hardware & Gadgets
Tags: cloud storage, Doxie, scanner