Epson FastFoto FF-680W: Scan Photos & Documents Quickly

Category: Personal and Home Use

Key Features:

World’s Fastest Personal Photo Scanner (1)
Scan thousands of photos as fast as 1 photo per second at 300 dpi (2)
Batch-scan up to 36 photos at a time
Preserve Your Priceless Photos — restore, organize, protect and share photos; scan Polaroid photos, panoramas, postcards and photos up to 8" x 10"
Share Stories for Future Generations — use the Epson FastFoto app (3) to add voice and text over your photos or create slideshows, right from your smartphone
Perfect Picture Imaging System — bring new life to old photos with auto enhancement, color restoration, red-eye reduction, de-skew, crop and rotate
Single-step Technology — capture both the image and any handwritten notes on the back of a photo in a single scan
Flexible Scanning — offers a variety of format options for easy sharing (300 dpi), archiving (600 dpi TIFF) and enlarging (1200 dpi (4)); handles multiple sizes in one batch; mobile (up to 600 dpi JPEG)
Powerful Document Scanning — includes Epson ScanSmart software with optical character recognition (OCR), which converts scanned images into readable text; scan documents up to 240"; scan speeds up to 45 ppm/90 ipm (5)
Easy Auto-upload and Backup — instantly share your memories as you scan via Dropbox and Google Drive(6)
Easy to Connect — includes both USB and wireless connectivity (7) for flexible placement; easy Wi-Fi setup with the Epson FastFoto app
SafeTouch Technology — for worry-free scanning of delicate photos; carrier sheet included, plus microfiber cloth to lightly dust photos

Overview and First Impressions

The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is a dedicated photo and document scanner that promises speed and versatility. Upon unboxing, it feels well-constructed and sturdy with a compact footprint that won't take up too much space on your desk. The clear LCD screen and intuitive button layout make it user-friendly right out of the box.

Design and Build Quality

The FF-680W boasts a sleek and modern design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It's made from durable materials, giving it a solid feel. The feeder mechanism is smooth and robust, designed to handle various photo sizes without hassle. The included accessories, such as the carrier sheet and microfiber cloth, add to the overall quality.

Ease of Use

Epson has done a commendable job with the user interface. It's straightforward and intuitive, even for beginners. The LCD screen provides clear prompts and status updates, making navigation a breeze. The button layout is logical, allowing you to quickly access key functions like scanning mode, resolution, and file format.

Performance Analysis

As advertised, the FF-680W lives up to its "fastest personal photo scanner" claim. It scans photos at an impressive speed, easily handling batches of 36 in one go. The scan quality is excellent, with accurate colors and sharp details even for old or faded photos. The auto enhancement features work effectively, bringing new life to neglected images.

Software Features

The Epson FastFoto app complements the scanner perfectly, offering features like voice and text annotation, slideshow creation, and seamless sharing to cloud services. Epson ScanSmart software is included for document scanning with OCR functionality, which converts scanned images into editable text.

Use Cases

This scanner is ideal for individuals looking to digitize their personal photo collections, organize memories, or preserve precious documents. It's also a great tool for families and enthusiasts who need to quickly scan large batches of photos.

Connectivity and Accessories

The FF-680W offers both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing flexibility in placement and access. The inclusion of accessories like the carrier sheet and microfiber cloth adds to its value and practicality.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

Incredibly fast scanning speeds
Excellent image quality with auto enhancement features
Versatile scanning capabilities for photos, documents, and even handwritten notes
User-friendly interface and intuitive controls
Seamless integration with Epson FastFoto app for added functionality

Cons

May be overkill for casual users who only need to scan occasionally
Pricier than entry-level scanners

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is a top-notch photo and document scanner that excels in speed, quality, and versatility. If you have a large collection of photos to digitize or frequently need to scan documents with OCR, this scanner is an excellent investment. Its user-friendly design and robust software features make it a pleasure to use.

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