{"id":5440,"date":"2012-05-24T07:30:08","date_gmt":"2012-05-24T13:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/?p=5440"},"modified":"2019-09-16T10:40:45","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16T16:40:45","slug":"buying-a-barcode-scanner-5-questions-before-you-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/buying-a-barcode-scanner-5-questions-before-you-buy\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Barcode Scanner : 4 Questions Before You Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/scanning.htm\">Scanners<\/a> may have become easier to use than ever but choosing one from the long list of models out there is a challenge. \u00c2\u00a0Luckily, you don&#8217;t need to know all the technical ins and outs of scanner technology to find a good fit for your business. \u00c2\u00a0With the following 4 questions you&#8217;ll be able to narrow down your options to the right one for you.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Question #1 : What type of barcode are you reading?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>This is one of the most important questions since you can end up paying too much for a scanner or get one that doesn&#8217;t work at all. \u00c2\u00a0There are essentially 2 types of barcodes:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Picture1.bmp\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5490\" style=\"margin: 0px 20px;\" title=\"Picture\" src=\"http:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Picture1.bmp\" alt=\"\" width=\"319\" height=\"106\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--more-->Depending on which of the 2 type of barcodes you are working with, there are 3 types of scanners you&#8217;ll want to choose from.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/laser.htm\"><strong>Laser<\/strong> <\/a>&#8211; These are the typical red line laser devices most of you are familiar with. When you line-up the laser horizontally across \u00c2\u00a0the barcode, the light is reflected or absorbed by the black and white lines. \u00c2\u00a0This pattern of reflectance is turned into meaningful numbers and letters. \u00c2\u00a0These scanners only read 1D barcodes but read very well and are the most cost effective option.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/ccd.htm\">Linear Imager <\/a>&#8211; <\/strong>Imagers take a picture of the barcode and analyse it to extract the information from it. \u00c2\u00a0These scanners still only read 1D barcodes but tend to have a better tolerance for poorly printed or damaged barcodes. \u00c2\u00a0They are slightly more expensive than laser scanners but if you need better performance for about the same cost, linear imagers are the way to go.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/2d.htm\">2D Area Imager<\/a> &#8211; <\/strong>These scanners are the bigger brother of \u00c2\u00a0the linear imagers and can read any type of code, 1D or 2D. \u00c2\u00a0Likewise, these scanners have very big scanning areas and read in any direction so they tend to read faster than the others. \u00c2\u00a0Unlike the others, with a 2D scanner you don&#8217;t need to aim as accurately to get a good read. If you need to read 2D barcodes or want a scanner that will read very aggressively, a 2D Area Imager is your best choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Question# 2 : What will you be using the scanner for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>This question is really concerned about what form factor your scanner should be. Most scanners are the typical handheld gun-style type but depending on where and how you&#8217;ll be using the scanner other form factors might be more productive.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5497\" title=\"2012-05-23_1422\" src=\"http:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/2012-05-23_1422.bmp\" alt=\"\" width=\"576\" height=\"170\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/handheld.htm\">Handheld<\/a> <\/strong>\u00e2\u20ac\u201c<\/strong> These are by far the most common form that scanners come in and are very easy to operate.\u00c2\u00a0 Simply aim the scanner at the barcode and pull the trigger. Most models will offer a stand, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/symbol\/ls2208.htm\">Motorola LS2208<\/a>, for hands-free operation as well. Handheld scanners are also available in cordless options to avoid cable clutter and increase your mobility.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/projection.htm\">Presentation<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c <\/strong>Presentation scanners, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/metrologic\/ms7180.htm\">Honeywell MK7180<\/a>, are designed to sit on a counter-top with ever needing to be picked-up.\u00c2\u00a0 These scanners are made for hands-free scanning and will not require triggering to read.\u00c2\u00a0 Likewise, instead of a single aimer like handheld scanners, presentation scanners have wide reading areas to reduce the need for aiming. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll find these types of scanners at retail check-outs since it is easy to scan many items quickly.\u00c2\u00a0 Just present the barcode in front of the scanner and it will read it automatically.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/in-counter.htm\">In-counter<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c<\/strong> In-counter scanners are similar to\u00c2\u00a0 presentation scanners in that you just present the barcode in front of the reader, but these are made to be embedded into the counter-top.\u00c2\u00a0 You have probably come across these types of scanners at grocery stores and self check-out lines. Units like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/datalogic\/8300.htm\">Datalogic Magellan 8300<\/a>, are easy to operate for any user. Many models also have integrated scales to completely serve a POS lane.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/fixedmount.htm\">Fixed Mount<\/a>&#8211; <\/strong>A fixed scanner is a bit more specialized compared to the other types since it is really meant to be integrated with a larger automated system.\u00c2\u00a0 These scanners are made to be mounted on a conveyor line or in a kiosk and do not have a typical trigger or button to scan. Often, these scanners will always be on or get triggered by external sensors or controllers.\u00c2\u00a0 Fixed scanners come in a wide range of speeds, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/microscan\/ms-9.htm\">Microscan MS-9<\/a>, to accommodate even very high speed assembly lines without any user intervention.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/portable-data-terminals\/\">Mobile Computer <\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u201c\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>While they are a bit more than basic scanners, mobile computers provide complete freedom being the PC and scanner in a single device.\u00c2\u00a0 Where other scanners need to be connected to a PC, mobile computers like the\u00c2\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/motorola\/mc75a.htm\">Motorola MC75A<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0can move around freely while storing information into memory or communicate via Wi-Fi and Cellular (WAN) networks. Mobile computers are ideal for applications that require true mobility like\u00c2\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/solutions\/market-applications\/inventory.htm\">inventory management<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0and\u00c2\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/solutions\/market-applications\/asset.htm\">asset tracking<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Question #3 : How will you connect the scanner to your PC?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Every scanner has to connect to a PC to transmit the barcode information into the application that you are using.\u00c2\u00a0Most scanners are going to connect to a PC or laptop through a USB connection, but Serial (RS-232) and PS\/2 are also available. \u00c2\u00a0Corded scanners are easy to get up and running by simply plugging them in.<\/p>\n<p>Handheld scanners also offer options for cordless scanners that allow you to walk around freely.\u00c2\u00a0These scanners function the same way a corded scanner does except that the scanner communicates to a base station wirelessly.\u00c2\u00a0 This base station is then connected to your PC through a cable.\u00c2\u00a0 Your PC does not need to have any wireless support since the cradle and scanner handle all of this.\u00c2\u00a0Most cordless scanners, like the\u00c2\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/symbol\/ls4278.htm\">Motorola LS4278<\/a>,\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0use Bluetooth to communicate, which normally gives you a range of 33ft.\u00c2\u00a0 There are also some specialized Bluetooth and proprietary wireless units that can transmit beyond 200ft.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><strong>Question #4 :<\/strong>What environment will you be using the scanner in?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Ruggedness should always be a concern when selecting a scanner to make sure it can handle whatever you put it through. Most scanners are designed for daily use in an office or retail environment.\u00c2\u00a0 An accidental drop once in a while will be ok, but if you are using your scanners in a warehouse or outdoor environment you will want to consider a ruggedized unit\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0You can always tell a ruggedized scanner by their bright yellow or red cases like on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/symbol\/ls3408fz.htm\">Motorola LS3408FZ<\/a>. \u00c2\u00a0Ruggedized units are completely sealed against dust and can handle repeated 6ft drops to concrete. With a rubberized case, they can handle any mistreatment. \u00c2\u00a0More rugged units may be more costly, but the time saved and costs from replacing broken scanners quickly balances out the initial cost difference.<\/p>\n<h3>Finding the Right Scanner<\/h3>\n<p>With all the options available for barcode scanners today, it&#8217;s important to find the right device for your business needs. Determining how you will use the scanner and what features you need will make the decision process easier. Our convenient <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/cats\/barcode-scanners\/selector.htm\">scanner selector tool\u00c2\u00a0<\/a>will even help you get to a specific model. If you are still having difficulty or have additional questions, give our scanner experts a call. We&#8217;re happy to help you out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scanners may have become easier to use than ever but choosing one from the long list of models out there is a challenge. \u00c2\u00a0Luckily, you don&#8217;t need to know all the technical ins and outs of scanner technology to find a good fit for your business. \u00c2\u00a0With the following 4 questions you&#8217;ll be able to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[56],"tags":[10,64,15,283,23],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Buying a Barcode Scanner : 4 Questions Before You Buy - Barcoding News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barcodesinc.com\/news\/buying-a-barcode-scanner-5-questions-before-you-buy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Buying a Barcode Scanner : 4 Questions Before You Buy - 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