Brother vs HP: Document Scanners Compared by Specs
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In this brother vs HP document scanner comparison, we look at two portable options for mobile users. Both devices are lightweight, bus-powered scanners designed for on-the-go use with laptops and PCs. They share similar form factors for travel. The main difference lies in their speed and connectivity standards. You need to decide which balance of portability and performance fits your workflow best.
Key differences
| Aspect | Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner | HP Portable USB Document Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Scan Speed | 16 ppm | 15 ppm |
| Weight | 1.03 pounds | 3 ounces |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Maximum Resolution | not listed | 1200 dpi |
| Software | iPrint&Scan | HP WorkScan |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner if
- You need the fastest scanning speed for high-volume batches.
- You prefer a device with a slightly larger footprint for easier handling.
- You want to use USB 3.0 for potentially faster data transfer.
Choose HP Portable USB Document Scanner if
- You prioritize extreme lightness and minimal bulk for travel.
- You need a specified high resolution for detailed documents or photos.
- You prefer a simpler single-pass simplex scanning workflow.
Verdict: Choose the Brother DS-640 if speed and USB 3.0 connectivity are your top priorities. Pick the HP HPPS100 if you need the lightest possible device and a clear 1200 dpi resolution spec. Both are solid choices for mobile document scanning.
Brother vs HP Scanner Specs
Scan speed
The Brother DS-640 offers a maximum scan speed of 16 pages per minute. It maintains this rate for both color and black and white documents. The HP HPPS100 scans at 15 pages per minute. This equals four seconds per page. Both speeds are sufficient for small batches of work. The Brother unit is slightly faster by one page per minute. This difference is small but measurable in high-volume mobile tasks. You will notice the Brother edge when scanning large stacks quickly. The HP speed is still efficient for typical on-the-go needs.
Weight and portability
The Brother DS-640 weighs 1.03 pounds. It is compact but has a standard mobile scanner weight. The HP HPPS100 weighs only 3 ounces. This makes it significantly lighter than the Brother model. The HP unit fits easily into a bag or briefcase without adding bulk. The Brother model is also portable but feels more substantial. You might prefer the HP for ultra-light travel or commuting. The Brother is still easy to carry but is heavier. Portability favors the HP due to its minimal weight.
Physical dimensions
The Brother DS-640 measures 11.9 inches in length, 2.2 inches in width, and 1.4 inches in height. The HP HPPS100 measures 11.6 inches in length, 2 inches in width, and 1.4 inches in height. Both are roughly one foot long. The HP unit is slightly narrower and shorter. These small differences matter when fitting the scanner into tight spaces like a laptop sleeve. The HP has a slight advantage in compactness. Both models share the same height for a slim profile. You can store either one easily in a travel bag.
Connectivity and power
The Brother DS-640 uses a micro USB 3.0 cable for power and data. It draws bus power from your device. The HP HPPS100 uses USB 2.0 connectivity. It also relies on bus power via an included cable. Both scanners do not require external power adapters. This makes them ideal for travel where outlets are scarce. The Brother offers the newer USB 3.0 standard, which can offer faster data transfer. The HP uses the widely compatible USB 2.0 standard. Both options work well with laptops and PCs for mobile scanning.
Software and drivers
The Brother DS-640 supports TWAIN, WIA, ICA, and SANE drivers. It includes the free iPrint&Scan app for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows scanning to PC, network, cloud, email, and OCR. The HP HPPS100 works with HP WorkScan software for Windows and MacOS. It features auto-scan and size detection. The Brother offers broader driver support including Linux via SANE. The HP software is noted for being intuitive and easy to use. Both provide free software. The Brother has an edge in platform compatibility, especially for Linux users.
Which scanner fits your workflow best
Heavy travelers needing maximum portability
The HP HPPS100 weighs only 3 ounces and measures 2 inches wide. This ultra-light profile slips easily into a pocket or small bag. If you prioritize minimal weight and compact dimensions for frequent travel, this model offers the most convenient form factor among portable scanners.
Users needing faster color scanning
The Brother DS-640 scans at 16 pages per minute for both color and black and white documents. This speed matches its monochrome rate. If you regularly process color files and need the fastest throughput for mixed batches, this scanner delivers a slight edge in processing speed.
Professionals requiring advanced image processing
The Brother DS-640 includes specific software features like bleed-through prevention, background removal, and text enhancement. It supports OCR and multiple scan destinations. If you need detailed image optimization and advanced document management tools for complex scanning tasks, this model provides superior software capabilities.
The products compared
Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner
Best for: mobile document scanning
- Scan Speed
- 16 ppm
- Portability
- Mobile, compact
- Power Source
- USB bus power
- Driver Support
- TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE
- Features
- Mobile Printing, Scanner
- Ideal For
- Documents
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner Affiliate link
The Brother DS-640 is a compact, mobile document scanner designed for portability and speed. It scans at 16 ppm with color and black-and-white speeds matching. Weighing just 1.03 pounds, it draws power via USB bus power, requiring no external outlet. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux via TWAIN, WIA, ICA, and SANE drivers. This unit suits users needing a lightweight, fast scanner for documents on the go.
Pros
- Scans at 16 ppm with equal color and black-and-white speeds
- Weighs only 1.03 pounds for easy transport
- Powered via USB bus power without needing an outlet
- Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux with multiple driver types
Cons
- Single-sided sheetfed scanning only
- No built-in battery; requires host device power
- Lacks a display for local preview
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight scanner for travel
- You scan documents at 16 ppm or faster
- You use Windows, Mac, or Linux computers
Skip if
- You require double-sided scanning
- You need a standalone unit with a battery
- You prefer a scanner with a built-in display
Verdict: Brother DS-640 Portable Scanner offers fast 16 ppm scanning in a 1.03-pound package for mobile users. It fits professionals who prioritize portability and USB power over duplex capabilities.
HP Portable USB Document Scanner
Best for: Travelers scanning single-sided documents
- Scan Speed
- 15 ppm
- Connectivity
- USB 2.0
- Portability
- Portable
- Power Source
- USB bus power
- Features
- Scanner
- Ideal For
- Documents
View on Amazon: HP Portable USB Document Scanner Affiliate link
The HP HPPS100 is a lightweight, single-sided sheetfed scanner designed for portable use. It scans at 15 ppm with a 1200 dpi resolution. The device connects via USB 2.0 and draws power directly from the port. It supports paper sizes from 2 x 2.9 inches to 8.5 x 14 inches. This compact unit suits users who need to digitize documents on the go without heavy equipment.
Pros
- Scans at 15 pages per minute
- Weighs only 3 ounces for easy transport
- Offers 1200 dpi resolution for clear images
- Powers directly via USB bus power
Cons
- Supports only single-sided (simplex) scanning
- Uses older USB 2.0 connectivity
- Requires separate software installation for advanced features
Good fit if
- You need a scanner that fits in a briefcase
- You primarily scan single-sided documents
- You want a lightweight device for travel
Skip if
- You need to scan double-sided pages
- You require high-speed wireless connectivity
- You prefer a larger flatbed design
Verdict: HP HPPS100 Portable Single-Sided Scanner is a compact solution for travelers who need to digitize single-sided papers quickly. It fits best in a bag and connects easily to laptops for on-the-go work.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner | HP Portable USB Document Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Scan Speed | 16 ppm | 15 ppm |
| Connectivity | not stated | USB 2.0 |
| Portability | Mobile, compact | Portable |
| Power Source | USB bus power | USB bus power |
| Driver Support | TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE | not stated |
| Features | Mobile Printing, Scanner | Scanner |
| Ideal For | Documents | Documents |
| Use Case | not stated | Office, Home |
| Scanner Type | Portable | Portable |
| Dimensions | 11.9 × 2.2 × 1.4 inches | 2 × 11.6 × 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.03 pounds | 3 ounces |
| Size | New DS640 | not stated |
| Color | white | White |
| Model | DS640 | HPPS100 |
Frequently asked questions
Which portable scanner is lighter, the Brother DS-640 or the HP HPPS100?
The HP HPPS100 is significantly lighter. It weighs only 3 ounces, making it ideal for travelers who want minimal weight. The Brother DS-640 weighs 1.03 pounds. This makes the HP model easier to carry in a pocket or small bag for on-the-go use.
Do these scanners support duplex scanning?
The provided specifications do not confirm duplex capabilities for either device. The Brother DS-640 is described as a portable scanner for documents. The HP HPPS100 is explicitly noted for scanning single-sided documents. You should verify duplex support in the full manual if you need to scan both sides.
What is the difference in scan speed between Brother and HP portable scanners?
The Brother DS-640 offers a maximum speed of 16 pages per minute. It maintains this rate for both color and black and white documents. The HP HPPS100 scans at 15 pages per minute. The Brother model is slightly faster for high-volume mobile tasks.
How do the physical dimensions of these two scanners compare?
The Brother DS-640 measures 11.9 inches in length, 2.2 inches in width, and 1.4 inches in height. The HP HPPS100 is 2 inches wide, 1.4 inches high, and 11.6 inches long. Both are compact, but the Brother unit is slightly longer and wider.
Which scanner is better for mobile professionals who prioritize portability?
The Brother DS-640 fits professionals who prioritize portability and USB power. It offers fast scanning in a 1.03-pound package. The HP HPPS100 is also portable but weighs only 3 ounces. Choose the Brother for speed and the HP for ultra-light weight.
Do these scanners require external power sources?
Both devices are designed for bus-powered use. The Brother DS-640 connects via USB for power. The HP HPPS100 also uses USB connectivity. You do not need separate power adapters for either scanner, making them convenient for laptop users traveling or working remotely.