Scanning Through Time

It’s hard to believe that the Plustek OpticSlim M12, a little scanner that first came off the production line in 2004, has now been by my side for nearly two decades.

When I first bought it, I saw it as a practical gadget—a slim, USB-powered scanner that would fit neatly into my travel kit. But over time, it became so much more. I’d soon take it on an unforgettable adventure in Uganda, where it would see me through some of my most demanding days in the field.

Uganda was vibrant, challenging, and always on the move. I was constantly shuttling between Kampala and various rural towns, working on projects that demanded every ounce of resilience and resourcefulness I had. Out there, traditional office setups weren’t an option, and reliable internet was a rare find. But my trusty OpticSlim M12 turned out to be a portable powerhouse, giving me the ability to scan, document, and securely save important paperwork—no matter where I was.

I remember one moment vividly. I was in a small town where I needed to finalize a contract with an International NGO. There was no copier, no scanner, just a dusty table and my laptop. But that’s when the M12 proved its worth. With a few quick passes, it had digitized every page of the signed contract.

The scanner has seen it all with me, from the bustling streets of Kampala to remote village meetings. As we both get a bit older, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the way this small, unassuming tool stood up to the demands of my Ugandan journey. It wasn’t just a scanner; it was a piece of reliability I could carry with me, keeping my work—and the memories of that chapter—safely preserved.

The OpticSlim M12 may have been manufactured back in 2004, but its durability and simplicity have held up well, even 20 years on.

And till this date, it is still by my side.