If you are familiar with the Neat Scanner System, and you’re using the latest Mac OSX then you’ve probably seen the NSDK3 Error.
You get this error whenever you try to ‘import‘, or scan any new documents into the Neat System. Don’t get confused. It’s more about image-to-text conversion (aka OCR) rather than a hardware issue with your scanner. The scanner is functioning fine just as it did ~ before Yosemite. In this case it’s the software that is the problem. Unfortunately since this is an appliance (hardware & software combined) if the software isn’t fixed with this issue ‘still alive and well in 2015’ then you can consider this product incompatible for the Mac. Anything after OSX 10 will most likely get this error. This will render any scan unreadable. This was not a problem on former versions of Neat prior to Yosemite.
If Neat would provide a previous version that would be great, and may in-fact solve this problem for a many users. Unfortunately they only have one download link for Mac.
Ok; so what does this mean? It means the image will still save into the Neat Scanner System, but the resolution is so poor it reduces your once elite $400.00 Neat Scanner into nothing more than a 15 year old knockoff flat bed scanner. All you’ll get is a collection of blurry scans. The next step is to try your hand at Neat support where they will quickly refer you to their unique 4 step plan which includes:
1. Test the scanner image quality.
2. Rebuild Scans folder
3. Check Avast! Anti-virus for Mac
4. Uninstall / Reinstall Neat
See them all at Neat Support. 4 step process to waste your time possibly correct the NSDK3 Error.
You’ll find that none of these steps are very helpful. Your next thought is to open a support ticket. Sure! Great idea. Until you realize the best reply you get is a link referring you back to those 4 steps. Not what you would expect after you paid $400.00 for the system. Would you get this problem from the Fujitsu Scansnap? Nope.
For starters, the Fujitsu ScanSnap software is compatible for Mac. No OCR issues like the NSDK3 Error have been reported for the ScanSnap. The software is sound, and regarding the hardware it’s self… The ScanSnap has a cool fold-up feature leaving the scanning area enclosed and protected from any sort of dust particles that may interfere with the internal workings of the scanner.
Check it out here:
What about NeatDesk?
Is the NeatDesk System Mac Compatible? Answer: No. Once upon a time maybe, but not any more.
The model pictured below is the ND-1000 Series Scanner. Usually starting with the Serial Number CNLF... You can see the official Neat Scanner compatibility list here.
Getting any scanner to extrapolate text using OCR is the basic tenet that will make or break the scanning system. If this doesn’t work then it’s not compatible. Pure and simple. In addition to the NSDK3 error on the Mac you may also experience the app quitting unexpectedly, and image scans to barely be legible.
Looking for an alternative to neat? LifeHacker did a great writeup on Neat alternatives. Coming in at top of the list is Fujitsu ScanSnap.
See the ScanSnap software review for the Mac here:
Neatdesk Not Compatible for Mac OSX 
Omg I am just now getting this problem. My MacBook is brand new. I was looking forward to going completely digital. I’m sending the Neat scanner back and going with Fujitsu.
I really wanted this to work on the Mac 😦
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They misled me lied to my face and suggested I use their WEB based app which is cloud based! I don’t want all my documents stored in the cloud. I have been trying to move all my data off the cloud! I have been a customer for 8 years this has been insulting and time consuming! I am not only angry I am disgusted. I spoke to a supervisor (supposedly) yesterday! 7-23-15 He acted as though it was apples fault and told me the solution was to use the WEB based application. I need an alternative to this solution! I am duped and abused, my good faith was used against me!
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Oh my older Fujitsu will not work with this app now either! 1500S
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I was going to buy this before I read the reviews. Thanks so so much. I’ll look into the Fujitsu if possible.
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Neat is so weird buggy. People really love it or hate it. I can’t take the chance so I’m just going to go with Fujitsu Scansnap. I know @reid says older models don’t work with Neat, but I’m getting something brand new online. Thanks for the link!
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I cannot believe now in 2016 ( after getting Neat as a gift ); that this problem is STILL ON GOING! Additionally; I am being forced to use their cloud service as a solution. THIS IS NOT a solution. I have my documents, and I have MY OWN STORAGE. FUCK THE NEAT CLOUD!! I have no faith in their ability to retain, or maintain my data. I am also NOT going to pay extra for any service where I know I can store it easily on a couple terabyte drives plus backups. Storage is cheap and reliable. Who the hell do they think they are??
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Really! Who do they think they are???? I have had my Neat scanner since 2012 and now it doesn’t work because I have not signed up and paid for Cloud storage. If I wanted to store my docs in the Cloud, I am perfectly capable of deciding which ones to store there. Shame them on Twitter. Bring them to their minds by broadcasting to everyone how much the Neat Company stinks.
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I am going to flip my shit if they keep pushing me for the cloud storage. Fuck that.
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all the hateful comments about Neat are correct, how can you trust a company that does not think about its customers, but rather exclusively on its pocket? Now there’s only one solution left, Play the Neat Scan literally in the Trash, and look for another trusted one. In addition to continuing to speak very badly of “neat” to the world, so that no one can trust and buy their products.
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IT’S OFFICIAL. NEAT NOLONGER MAKES SCANNERS
NOW PARTNERING WITH FUJITSU
https://www.neat.com/certified-hardware-partners/fujitsu/?utm_source=Neat&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=IGnewWU
Thats a step in the right direction; although for all of us that had trouble with this they should send us all a Fujitsu Scanscap Scanner!
Next on the list is allow users to keep their data locally ON OUR OWN LOCAL DEVICE STORAGE.
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