Comparing The Fellowes Ds-1 And Ds-2 Paper Shredders

Two of Fellowes' least expensive paper shredders are their Powershred DS-1 and DS-2 models. This article will compare and contrast the two so you can make an informed decision about which shredder will best fit the needs of your home or office.

The Fellowes DS-2 paper shredder is definitely the company's most basic shredder, but even for being basic, it still has a lot to offer. For one thing, the DS-2 is equipped with Fellowes' patented SafeSense technology. SafeSense is an innovative feature that can detect when a person's hands are near the shredder's opening. Upon sensing a body part, SafeSense automatically shuts down the machine so the person won't be injured, making the DS-2 a very safe shredder to use.

The DS-2 can shred up to eight sheets of paper at a time and the machine's cross-cut blades turn your document into shreds measuring 5/32" x 2", so you'll be able to get a decent amount of security for not a lot of money. (The DS-2 retails for about $134.00.) It's also great that the DS-2 can destroy credit cards, so you have a lot of shredding options.

One of the things that make the DS-2 interesting is its design. It kind of looks like a bucket, thanks to the machine's handle. The handle makes it easy to transport the shredder (important since the machine lacks casters) and it allows you to empty the wastebasket in a jiffy. The shredder's design ensures that it will look good in any office.

The Fellowes DS-1 paper shredder retails for approximately $209.00 and like the DS-2, it has SafeSense technology. The DS-1 has a higher shredding capacity than the DS-1 and it can shred up to 11 sheets of paper in one pass (up to 130 sheets per minute). Like the DS-2, the DS-1 is a cross-cut shredder, so it offers a rather high degree of security. It has a 9-inch throat so it can shred both legal- and letter-sized documents, and it can also destroy credit cards, staples, and paper clips, making it a very versatile little shredder. The DS-1 also has a sleek, mesh wastebasket with a 4.75-gallon capacity. It's easy to empty the wastebasket because you can step down on a lever to release the basket, kind of like you would with a garbage can. Finally, the DS-1 can go in reverse so you can clear up any paper jams you might experience.

Both the DS-1 and DS-2 are great shredders to have on-hand for the everyday, basic shredding of bank statements, credit card offers, and the like. They both have SafeSense technology, interesting designs, and a five-year warranty on the cutting blades. Both of these shredders are highly recommended. As to which one you should purchase, it's simply a matter of cost and design. The DS-1 can shred slightly more than the DS-2, but the DS-2 is more than adequate to handle most home office or deskside shredding applications. It is really up to you and your budget. Both of these machines are great and would make a wonderful addition to your office, so get yours today!