After you create the account, you can input Wi-Fi network settings and specify where you want scans to go--for example, to your PC or to a supported Web service such as Facebook. Alternatively, you can use a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection (Wi-Fi Direct) with a mobile device, as opposed to an existing Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi Direct option is very useful for people on the go since once you set it up, you can transfer scans to a mobile device in multiple locations without having to change Wi-Fi network settings repeatedly. All you need to do is install a free iOS or Android app that will enable the Wi-Fi Direct connection with the scanner.

You don't have to transmit scans wirelessly, however. You can instead store them on the SD Card or on a USB flash drive, or you can scan to a computer using the USB cable.

Scanning is fairly straightforward. The device has only two hardware buttons, a power button and a function button meant primarily for cycling among the three available scan formats (color JPG, color PDF, or black-and-white PDF, all captured at 300 dpi). The power state is indicated by a green LED, while blue LEDs next to small icons show which scan mode you've chosen. To scan a document you insert it face up and flush left into the paper feed slot. The device can scan items as small as ID cards or business cards, or as large as standard letter paper. It takes only about 10 seconds to scan a single sheet.

Xerox throws in a few popular scanning utilities on DVD: Nuance Paperport document management, OmniPage optical character recognition software for turning scanned text into editable copy, and NewSoft Presto BizCard for scanning and organizing business cards. You also get a padded canvas case, plug adapters for different countries, and a calibration sheet that Xerox recommends using as part of a monthly maintenance routine.

I had only minor quibbles with the Xerox Mobile Scanner, mostly stemming from the rather skimpy printed documentation (a quick-start guide). For instance, you have to go to the online manual to learn how to set up the Eye-Fi card and understand the error codes, which appear in the form of flashing LEDs.