When choosing the right 2D imager you ultimately need a device that meets the demands of your specific application while being easy to use out of the box.

Historically, the DS4208 was one of the most popular imagers from Motorola/Zebra which has been discontinued and replaced with the even more capable Symbol DS4308. The chart below is a quick comparison of the new features and capabilities found in the newer DS4308.

If you’re looking for a new 2D imager, the DS4308 is a scanner that will easily improve the efficiency and speed of any scanning application.

	DS4208	DS4308
Market Positioning	Introductory: 1D/2D Imager for paper/ mobile bar codes	2nd Generation: 1D/2D Imager with PRZM technology which enhances decode performance and snappiness, dramatically improving the user experience
Market Advantage	Good all around 1D/2D bar code scanner for most applications DS4208-SR working range out to 15.2”/38.6cm on 100% UPC (SR) DS4308-HD working range out to 7.6”/19.3cm • Sensor Resolution 752 x 480 Beep and LED feedback on good decode IP43	Reads virtually any bar code in any condition; optimized for poor quality barcodes DS4308-SR has the largest “sweet spot” in its class with a working range out to 28”/71.1cm on 100% UPC (DS4308-SR) eliminating the need to purchase both standard and extended range scanners DS4308-HD working range out to 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) eliminating the need to purchase both standard and high density scanners 1 Megapixel Sensor Resolution (1280 x 800) Ability to Enable All Code Types USB Buffering of Output Data Beep, LED and optional Illumination feedback on good decode Megapixel engine supports image capture, signature capture and OCR Auto host detect cables Support for over 90 keyboards Integrated Presentation Stand (P) option Checkpoint EAS option IP42
DEFAULT SETTINGS
Quick Keypad Emulation	Disabled	Enabled
Unique Barcode Reporting in Continuous Barcode Mode	Disabled	Enabled
Emulate Numeric Keypad	Disabled	Enabled
Length for Code 39	2 to 55	1 to 55
Code 93	Disabled	Enabled
Length for Code 93	4 to 55	1 to 55
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)	Disabled	Enabled
Lengths for I 2 of 5	Fixed Length = 14	6 to 55
Length for D 2 of 5	Fixed Length = 12	Any Length (1 to 55)
Codabar	Disabled	Enabled
Lengths for Codabar	5 to 55	4 to 55
Matrix 2 of 5 Lengths	Fixed Length = 14	4 to 55
GS1 DataBar Limited	Disabled	Enabled
USB Fast HID	Disabled	Enabled
USB Polling Interval	8ms	3ms
Different Symbol Time-out	200ms	100ms

Traditional laser scanners read linear bar codes at the point-of-sale—a technology that greatly simplified checkout. But today’s highly developed area-imaging scanners enable greater capability and flexibility, putting far more productivity into the hands of retail employees and allowing for revenue-generating mobile marketing initiatives.

With these advantages, it’s no wonder VDC’s 2013 Report forecasts area-imaging scanners sales to grow at a rate of 13.4% for the next three years, compared to the expected 7.3% decline for laser-based scanners over the time period. Imaging technology is firmly established as a cost-effective, durable, technologically capable alternative to laser-based systems. Plus, imagers are capable of supporting retailer’s mobile marketing programs, capturing mobile coupons right off customers’ smartphone screens or automatically collecting their information from ID cards for loyalty program auto-enrollment. Continue reading »