There are lots of different types of scanners from the basic ccd plugged into your computer to the very rugged, ‘drop me off a 4 storey car park and I will still work’ barcode scanning computer.
Mostly it depends on your price and what you want to use the scanner for.
If, for example, you are a library with limited budget and you only need to scan a library card and book when they are presented at your main then a CCD scanner might be just what you are looking for. They connect to your computer via a usb cable and you can mount them on a stand or hold them in your hand to scan when required. As a basic scanner they do the job, don’t cost much and when they break (as occasionally happens) they are easy to repair or replace.
If you have a warehouse processing bulk orders and using fork lift trucks you will probably be looking for a tough, rugged handheld that will cope with a challenging environment.
Handheld scanners
There are many different types of handheld scanning computer available with different functionality at different budgets. Datalinx Computer Systems (yes, another plug for Datalinx who I consult for) have over the years, worked with a larger variety of handhelds and hardware suppliers and to give you a feel this is the range they currently recommend with their top 3 systems.
CCD Scanners
These are the most basic of hand held scanners. You will find them in use where a mobile or wireless solution is not required. This could be retail point of sales, in the stockroom, tracking assets and managing inventory. You will often see them at the library checkout desk and some mini supermarket tills eg. Costcutter.
The scanner connects directly to a PC via a cable and there are a number of PC interface options including RS232, USB, KBW (keyboard wedge) amongst others. They are often set up on a special stand that enables them to be used 'handsfree' with most Barcoding systems.
Entry level unit: Datalogic Memor handheld
The Memor is a compact handheld that Datalinx have found functionally aligned for the Sage 50 market. It is an effective unit with power scanning capabilities and a high resolution screen that they have found is above its entry level status.
Typical market: light industrial or retail environments
Average cost per unit: £695
Mid range unit: Janam XM65
The Janam is a small lightweight and rugged mobile computer. It has advanced barcode scanning functionality with robust WLAN communication and a long battery life. It’s cost effective price makes it compatible with the Sage 200 environment
Typical market: light industrial or retail environments
Average cost per unit: £800
Top range unit: Motorola MC9090
The MC9090 is the market leader in terms of rugged durable scanner/computers and has been targeted by Datalinx specifically to the Sage 500/1000 working environment. It is usually supplied with an ergonomic pistol grip for comfortable
multiple scans.
Typical Market: It is idea for use in demanding environments such as outdoors in inclement weather, in dusty hot warehouses, on manufacturing floors, on the road in delivery vehicles and in the aisle in retail operations.
Average cost per unit: £1400