I am NOT an abstractor anymore, however, I was for about six years in NYS.  Today, I own four title companies and have learned that if it is legal, moral and eithical, any attempt to decrease overhead while maintaining/increasing revenue is a GOOD thing.  I don't believe that other abstractors are the victim in this case (not that that was how I took it, in fact, I thought your email was very good and raised a great question), however, I think, for a small investment such as a portable scanner, you, the abstractor, may find that the true victim are the clerk's.  Let's face it, the money THEY make off of your copies is crazy!  Even when you take into consideration the cost of toner and maintenance.  Due to volume, they make out pretty well.  Abstractors, on the other hand, must pass that cost on to their client base.  That, unto iteself, may very well be enough of an intrusion to lose the client. 

In any event, I think that a portable scanner, again, as long as it is moral, ethical and legal, may prove to be a great investment for the abstractor, plus, it may also save some time, translating into turn-around, thus, a better relationship with the client.