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Scanner Hardware FAQ

Q: What type of scanner do I want?

A: This will vary with your requirements, and we would be happy to set up an obligation free appointment with you to discuss your requirements and what products are available to meet them. Please Contact Us for more information.

Here are some general guidelines about a few different categories of scanners:

Tethered Scanners:

Tethered scanners work by passing scanned data directly to a computer, usually as keyboard input through a USB port. This means that barcodes you scan show up on your computer just as is if you had typed them in. The use of a tethered scanner requires that you already have an application in place, with a text field you would like to scan data to. It also requires the computer to be very close to what you’re scanning.

Tethered scanners are usually powered over the same USB port they transmit data over, so they are quite elegant as far as corded solutions go.

Example: LS2208

Cordless Scanners:

The range of a USB scanner is obviously quite limited, but this range can be extended by using a cordless scanner. Most cordless scanner are functionally similar to tethered scanners – they both transit scanned data directly to a computer as keyboard input through a USB port. Also like a tethered scanner, the use of a cordless scanner requires that you already have an application in place, with a text field you would like to scan data to.

With a cordless scanner, there is usually a docking cradle that plugs directly into the computer (although some recent models can connect over Bluetooth instead). The cordless scanner would have a rechargeable battery that is powered by the cradle. The cradle will usually require the use of a standard wall outlet power adapter in addition to a USB cable.

Example: LS3578

Memory Scanners:

Memory scanners are simple handheld devices that can store text data and transfer it to a computer later. Most of these scanners are also capable of running simple applications. Custom development of these applications is typically very cost efficient. Memory scanners are popular options for tasks like inventory counting, where scanning a barcode and inputting a quantity will get the job done.

Like cordless scanners, most memory scanners have a cradle that connects to a computer over a USB (or sometimes serial) port, as well as a standard wall outlet power adapter.

For more information regarding handheld software, please see the Scanner Software FAQ.

Example: P360

Mobile Computers:

Mobile computers are basically condensed PCs, typically running a specialized version of Windows called Windows Mobile. Mobile computers are capable of running complex software, which users can interact which through a touchscreen and keypad. Mobiles have flexible communication. You can transfer files to a computer by using a USB cradle, or you could transfer data directly to a server application over a wireless network.

Mobile computers are available in a wide variety of form factors to meet different use, durability, and budget requirements.

For more information regarding handheld software, please see the Scanner Software FAQ.

Example: MC9090