Fujitsu’s ScanSnap series of document scanners are designed to make digital organization easy for home and office use. The ix1500 and ix1600 are two of Fujitsu’s newest ScanSnap models aimed at small businesses and professionals who need to digitize paperwork efficiently.
But what’s the difference between these two scanners, and which one is the better choice for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features and capabilities of the Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500 Vs. ix1600 to help you decide which scanner fits your workflow.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | ix1500 | ix1600 |
| Scanning Speed | 30 ppm (15 ipm duplex) | 40 ppm (20 ipm duplex) |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0, WiFi, Battery |
| Maximum Document Thickness | 1.2mm | Improved thick document handling |
| Specialty Modes | None | Assisted scanning mode |
| Price | $399 | $495 |
Overview Of The Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500
The ScanSnap ix1500 is an automated document scanner released by Fujitsu in January 2019. It’s designed for Windows and Mac computers and acts as a plug-and-play device via USB connection.
Some key features and specs:
- Scans both sides of a document simultaneously at speeds up to 30 pages per minute (15 ipm duplex)
- Single-pass duplex scanning reduces time spent manually scanning both sides
- Automatically detects document size
- Scans documents into searchable PDF, Word, Excel, JPEG and other file formats
- 50-page automatic document feeder capacity
- Integrated GI processor removes blank pages and automatically rotates pages
- Works with receipt management and business card scanning software
The ix1500 scans directly to the connected computer and also integrates with cloud storage services like Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive for seamless document digitization and archiving.
It’s aimed primarily at small businesses, home offices, and mobile professionals who need to digitize paperwork for efficient record-keeping and organization. The automatic feeding and scanning along with software integration makes it easy to digitize large volumes of documents with minimal effort.
Overview Of The Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1600
The ScanSnap ix1600 is an upgraded version of the ix1500, released in January 2022. It keeps many of the same key features but adds enhanced functionality.
Some upgrades and differences include:
- Faster 40 page per minute (20 ipm duplex) scanning speeds
- New assisted scanning mode for specialty documents
- Improved accuracy for scanning mixed batches
- Easier screen navigation and status indicators
- New shortcuts for common scanning tasks
- Support for thicker documents and embossed plastic cards
- WiFi connectivity and rechargeable battery for portable scanning
The ix1600 maintains the same 50 page feeder capacity, bundled software, and connectivity options. The faster speeds, assisted scanning mode, and built-in battery make it better optimized for high efficiency scanning of large volumes when on the go. But both models still serve a similar purpose of streamlining document digitization for searchability and organization.
Also Read: Comparison Between Epson FastFoto FF-680W and Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a more in-depth comparison of these two Fujitsu scanners.
Scan Speed Comparison
The biggest difference between the ix1500 and ix1600 is scan speed. The ix1500 scans at speeds up to 30 pages per minute (or 15 ipm for duplex). The ix1600 boosts this to 40 ppm (or 20 ipm duplex).
For context, both can scan a typical 20-page document in under a minute. But the ix1600 edges out the ix1500 when scanning larger batches by finishing the job around 25% faster. Those tighter deadlines and larger scanning volumes will benefit most from the ix1600’s quicker speeds.
The speed boost makes the ix1600 better suited for time-critical scanning needs or daily high volume batches. But for occasionally scanning smaller sets or non-urgent needs, the ix1500 still delivers respectable speeds at a lower price point.
Connectivity Comparison
Both scanners connect to computers via USB 3.0 for plug-and-play use. But the ix1600 adds built-in WiFi connectivity and a rechargeable battery for untethered scanning.
The WiFi makes it easy to scan documents to smartphones, tablets, or multiple computers from anywhere in the room without moving the scanner. The battery enables cordless use for up to 260 sheets per charge.
This gives the ix1600 an edge for mobility and convenience when scanning on the go, while the ix1500 is limited to USB-connected use with the computer it’s plugged into. So the ix1600’s wireless capabilities provide more flexibility for managing documents across devices from anywhere in your workspace.
Supported Document Types
The ix1500 and ix1600 both handle the standard paper document types you’d expect, including:
- Letter and A4 sized documents
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Business cards
- Legal documents
- Tax forms
- Manuals
- Reports
They automatically detect size, straighten pages, and remove blank pages. Both also support scanning embossed hard cards up to 1.2mm thick, such as ID cards and drivers licenses.
The ix1600 adds improved scanning capabilities for non-standard documents:
- Better feeding for thicker documents like file folders
- Specific mode for scanning documents larger than A4 size
- Smoother scanning of wrinkled and damaged papers
So while both handle typical home and office documents well, the ix1600 has the slight edge for scanning a wider variety of document types and non-traditional paperwork.
Also Read: Is ScanSnap iX1300 Better Than iX1600?
Image Processing Comparison
These ScanSnap models utilize integrated image processing to enhance the quality and readability of scanned PDFs. Both include automatic cropping, orientation, blank page removal, and color enhancements.
The ix1600 builds upon the ix1500’s functionality with a few extras:
- Multi-image output for splitting scans into separate files
- Auto resolution adjustment for clearer image quality
- Assisted scanning mode for specialty documents
The assisted mode provides visual guidance to capture the best image of challenging materials like books and magazines by automatically prompting you to rotate pages for optimal alignment.
Overall, both deliver solid image processing, but the ix1600’s added modes provide extra optimization for certain document types.
Software Integration
Both the ix1500 and ix1600 integrate with ScanSnap Home software for Windows and Mac to provide document organization and sharing capabilities. Key highlights include:
- Creating searchable PDFs, Word docs, Excel sheets from scans
- Syncing with cloud storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- Automated folders and naming rules for scans
- Emailing, printing, converting scanned files
- Managing and searching scanned documents
They also work with ScanSnap receipt management, business card, and document editing software for specialized organizing needs. The experience is very similar on both models, just with the ix1600’s added speed and connectivity advantages.
So for actual document digitization, management, and integration, the software functionality is virtually identical. You still get robust tools for handling scans on both devices.
Price Comparison
As the newer model with enhanced specs, the ix1600 carries a higher retail price:
- Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1600: $495
- Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500: $399
The $100+ difference accounts for the ix1600’s faster speeds, wireless connectivity and battery, and added document handling capabilities.
Both offer excellent functionality for seamlessly digitizing home or office paperwork at their respective price points. The ix1500 provides strong value for money with its automatic feeding and software integration at just under $400. But the ix1600 brings more robust scanning power and versatility if your budget allows.
Also watch the review video of Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1600!
Key Differences Summary
To recap the major differences:
- The ix1600 scans at 40 ppm Vs. 30 ppm on the ix1500
- The ix1600 adds WiFi and battery for wireless use
- The ix1600 supports thicker documents and specialty scanning modes
- The ix1600 costs roughly $100 more than the ix1500
The ix1500 still handles most home office scanning needs at an affordable price point. But the ix1600’s enhanced speeds, connectivity, and document handling warrant the higher cost for mobile professionals and high efficiency needs.
Both are quality document scanners and share core features like duplex scanning, auto-size detection, image processing, and software integration. Choosing comes down to scan volume, mobility needs, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are the ix1600 scans faster at 40 ppm Vs. 30 ppm, has WiFi/battery for wireless use, improved document handling, and costs around $100 more. Both offer automated scanning to digital formats, with the ix1600 optimized for mobility and high volumes.
The ScanSnap ix1600 was released in January 2022, about 3 years after the ix1500 which debuted in January 2019. The ix1600 retains core features of the ix1500 while adding faster speeds, wireless connectivity, and more versatile document support.
The ix1500 is a newer model that scans faster (30 ppm Vs. 25 ppm), has a larger 50 page feeder capacity, and better software integration. The iX500 is an older model but still capable for basic scanning needs if you find it at a lower price point.
The ix1600 has faster scanning speeds, built-in wireless/battery, and enhanced document handling over the ix1400. But the ix1400 is still a robust scanner for office use with 25 ppm speeds and core scanning features at a lower cost. The ix1600 adds more power and versatility for about $100 more.
Also Read: Choose Between Canon ImageFormula RS40 And Epson FastFoto FF-680W.
Conclusion
In the end, both the Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500 and ix1600 provide automated digitization that makes short work of paperwork piles and clutter. If you need to efficiently organize expense receipts, tax documents, invoices, business cards, or general home office paper trails, either delivers excellent functionality.
The ix1600 is the superior choice if you have time-sensitive scan jobs, frequently scan on the move between devices, or deal with non-standard documents. But the ix1500 still handles routine home office needs at a more affordable price point.
When selecting between these two capable scanners, focus on your specific scanning needs and flow. Mobile professionals with specialized paperwork will benefit most from the ix1600’s strengths. But typical home office users get robust functionality for $100 less with the ix1500.
Whichever model fits your workflow, Fujitsu’s ScanSnap scanners make converting paper documents to organized digital files a seamless process. If your file cabinets are overflowing, these scanners can help you finally go paperless and regain control of your household or business paperwork.
