What is the Best Barcode Scanner for You?

There are many different types of barcode scanners on the market today and choosing the right one may seem a daunting task. Lets look at the various types of barcode scanners to understand more about them.

2D Barcode Scanners

A barcode can be in 1D or 2D, with 1D being black lines and 2D being squares, dots or other symbols. Handheld 2D scanners are popular since with a 2D barcode you can fit much more information into the same area.

CCD Barcode Scanner

Charge coupled device, or CCD, is the most common technology used in barcodes and this type of barcode reader will use many tiny, light sensitive diodes working together to read barcodes. There will be hundreds of light sensors in rows inside a CCD barcode reader and the scanner measures the light reflected from the barcode.

Pen Barcode Scanner

A pen barcode scanner works by measuring the reflected light which goes into the scanner itself. These barcode scanners which are also known as wand scanners because of their small size, are very easy to use and because they are so light, they are popular at grocery store checkouts where the operator has to scan hundreds of small or medium sized items as quickly as possible. To use a pen barcode scanner, the operator will drag the pen tip across the barcode at an even pace.

Portable Barcode Reader

With a portable barcode scanner, you can carry them around with you so they are useful if you are not limited to a desk. These barcode scanners do not use much power, which makes them economical, and they are light and small in size. Rather than having to position the item to be scanned under the scanner, the operator can move the scanner, making it perfect for large or bulky objects or those piled up high.

PC Barcode Scanners

This type of scanners is simple to setup because you only just need to plug into your PC and work with it. Some PC barcode scanners plug into the PC keyboard and others use a USB socket. These scanners do not need a separate external power source. Any application can support a barcode reader as long as you have the right equipment. When using a PC barcode scanner, the scanned data goes into the PC as though you had typed it on the keyboard.

Bluetooth and Wireless Barcode Scanners

You can also get wireless and Bluetooth scanners which work away from the main terminal. If you work in a storage warehouse, yard or loading dock, using such a scanner is suitable since there are no wires to trip over or become entangled and you can scan items at different angles. With cable-free scanning, the barcode reader can send information back to the PC and receive information from the PC.

As you can see, there are different types of barcode scanners available depending on what you need them for. Bluetooth and wireless scanners are great for working outdoors or in warehouses, a pen barcode scanner is useful in a grocery store and there are many other kinds of barcode readers and the accompanying software so you can tailor your equipment exactly to the kind of industry it will be used in.

Do you know what is the best barcode scanner for your business? Check out Barcode Scanner or FREE advice on the different types of barcode scanners and readers.