Different companies make different RF barcode scanners but what all these machines have in common is that they are easy to use, can usually scan well even for heavy or bulky items and they have long battery lives between recharging.

Telescan 2 RF Barcode Scanner

This barcode scanner from SB Electronic Systems has two way communication, an ergonomic design, online data capture, real time data update, USB, LAN or RS232 options and a natural scanning position. This model is also networkable in case you need to increase the transmission range.

The Telescan 2 RF barcode scanner comes in a batch (offline) version and an RF (online) version. The RF version of this barcode scanner means that you can roam freely and still be able to communicate directly with the source software. The fact that communication is two way means that you can send information to the PC and the scanner can also receive information back.

This scanner allows the laser beam to be triggered from the side of the machine so wrist movement is minimal. There is a real time clock, alpha-numeric keypad, fast-charging NICAD batteries and sealed keypad buttons to make using the Telescan 2 a great experience.

Symbol DS 3478 Scanner

Symbol is another great company known for making top quality cordless barcode scanners and the Symbol DS 3478 is a high performance piece of equipment. This scanner uses digital imaging technology to capture barcodes. Omni-directional scanning lets you capture symbols from any angle and the cordless feature means you can scan things in awkward positions and you do not have a cable in the way to worry about.

Voyager MS 9535BT Bluetooth Scanner

This cordless barcode scanner uses Bluetooth technology to give cable-free scanning. This Voyager barcode scanner offers up to fourteen thousand scans per battery charge and a thirty three foot working range. You can easily program this scanner using barcodes or Windows software and you can mount the recharge station on a countertop or wall for ease of use.

This is a lightweight, comfortable scanner which is simple to use. You can transfer scanned data back to the computer at the touch of a button and the brightly lit display is easy to see. You can scan heavy or bulky products easily with this RF barcode scanner and whether your business is a supermarket, light warehouse, manufacturer, retailer or something else, this is one of the best RF scanners.

Alternatively, it might be possible to get a second hand used RF barcode reader. These are often sold by businesses that have closed down and you might be able to pick yourself up a bargain. When buying a used RF barcode scanner, make sure it comes with all the necessary documentation and instruction manuals.

HP Barcode Scanners

The HP barcode scanner is lightweight and small and you can scan industry standard barcodes for quick and simple retail information input. The barcode scanner is reliable, user-friendly and works well to make any retail environment more productive.

USB Barcode Scanner

The HP USB barcode scanner is a popular choice and you can use this scanner in conjunction with variety HP systems. The USB barcode scanner is lightweight and small. It is a handheld scanner which scans a variety of barcodes quickly and easily. This scanner does a hundred scans per second and is offers a superior performance with a durable design.

You can use the USB scanner up to seventeen inches from EAN and UPC symbols and the scanner has an adjustable volume and bright LED. ADF (advanced data formatting) allows users to modify scanned data before it is sent to the host computer. This is a sturdy scanner and will be fine after a five foot drop on to concrete.

HP Barcode Scanner Warranty

Every HP barcode scanner comes with a one year parts replacement warranty. You can also opt for an extended warranty of up to three years from the date of purchase.

Point of Sale Systems

Hewlett Packard offer complete POS systems for small or medium sized businesses. This helps to make the business more efficient and reliable and helps to simplify different operations. As well as the best barcode scanner, a POS system can come with a thermal receipt printer, cash drawer, touch screen monitor and magnetic stripe reader. Not every business needs an entire point of sale system so if you are just looking for an HP barcode scanner, perhaps to replace another one, you will not need the whole system.

Used HP Barcode Scanners

If you are on a budget or you do not mind a second hand barcode scanner, you might want to consider buying a used HP barcode scanner rather than a new one. This means that you can save money. You might not be able to find the latest model of scanner but if a different scanner will do the job, buying a used barcode scanner might be the best thing for you and the company.

Similar barcode scanners to the HP range are made by Wasp, Metrologic and Datalogic and you cannot go wrong with any of these top barcode scanner brands. Barcode scanners used to come in one or two basic varieties but with modern technology the way it is, the sky is the limit now and there are scanners for every type of application and company. For a good all-round scanner for a small or medium sized business, the HP barcode scanner does a good job and is very reliable.

Easy to Use Symbol Scanners

One of the best value Symbol barcode scanners is the LS 2208. This scanner is useful for different environments such as in-store inventory tracking, point of sale, education, healthcare and more. The LS 2208 barcode scanner gives a great performance, is ergonomically comfortable to handle and is very reliable.

Symbol makes top quality, reliable handheld scanners, such as the LS 1203, which is user friendly, comfortable to use and perfect for small retailers such as jewelers, florists, video stores, boutiques and more. This scanner is quick and easy to use and can be used alone, via USB, keyboard wedge or with an RS-232 interface kit. You can get used Symbol scanners in this model as well as new ones.

Fast Laser Scanners

For top quality, speedy scanning, you might be interested in Symbol laser scanner technology. The Symbol LS 3007 is an example of a handheld laser scanner which gives one-pass, continuous scanning so beginners and experts alike can use this machine with ease. This scanner also offers Superior Motion Tolerance and Multi-Line Rastering functionality, which means the scanner can accurately scan one dimensional symbologies and even damaged symbols. It also gives a high quality motion tolerance and wide working range to increase performance and scanning flexibility.

New Technology Scanners

If you are looking for a Symbol barcode scanner which makes life really easy, you might like to have a look at the Symbol M2004 Cyclone scanner range. These scanners are packed with new features including new scanning technology. This scanner delivers optimum flexibility and can handle small single or multiple barcode types as well as large merchandise. The adaptability, ease of use and revolutionary user-selectable scan pattern options make this scanner a pleasure to use.

Scanners for Tough Working Environments

If you want a scanner for a loading dock, yard or warehouse, the Symbol P360 scanner might be just what you are looking for. This has an award-winning ergonomic design for easy handling and a memory keypad display. Data entry and data management are made easy with this barcode scanner. Heat, cold, rain and dust are no problem, as well as 6 foot drops on to concrete. This is a rugged scanner which works well in conditions that would challenge other scanners.

Used Symbol Scanners

Since there are many different kinds of Symbol scanners, there are often plenty of second hand ones for sale. Buying a second hand scanner or set or barcode scanners means that you can save money whilst still getting a top quality piece of machinery. If your budget is tight, you should have a look at some used Symbol scanners.

There are a lot of different Symbol scanners available so it is well worth checking out the whole range to find the best one for you and your company. Remember also that you can get a used Symbol barcode scanner to save money if you prefer.

Metrologic Barcode Scanner

One very popular type of barcode scanner is the Metrologic barcode scanner. These scanners are capable of reading and decoding all standard barcodes. You can get in-counter, handheld or fixed scanners for point of sale applications, laser or holographic scanners for industrial applications, portable data terminals, laser scan engines and cordless wearable scanners for remote scanning. Metrologic scanners are able to read code 93 symbology. You can pick up a used Metrologic barcode scanner for a fraction of the price of a brand new one.

Wasp Barcode Scanner

Another highly respected barcode scanner brand is Wasp and this company also makes portable data collecting machines. Wasp Barcode Technologies makes high performance barcode scanners for small or moderate sized companies, include laser barcode scanners, CCD barcode scanners, wireless barcode scanners and point of sale barcode scanners. These scanners are suitable for many different applications, such as the control of inventory in manufacturing, retail point of sale uses and shipping applications.

The Wasp wand and CCD scanners are light and comfortable to use. The laser barcode scanners are very precise and can handle the most demanding applications. Industrial barcode scanners are great for harsh or dirty environments and wireless barcode scanners offer plenty of freedom and flexibility. You can get used barcode scanners in any of these types, depending on your personal needs.

Datalogic Barcode Scanner

Datalogic is a well known barcode scanner brand and this company has been setting the barcode industry standard for thirty years. A Datalogic barcode scanner, such as the Datalogic FireScan, offers a sixteen inch scan distance and is able to read dirty or smeared barcodes. Retail stores, offices or light industrial facilities will find this barcode scanner and if you are looking for a used barcode scanner, this model will only cost a hundred dollars or so second hand.

The Datalogic QuickScan 6000 Plus is handheld and is a cheap barcode scanner, especially when bought used. This scanner reads all major barcode symbologies quickly and auto-discriminates between barcodes.

If you require a cheap barcode scanner, it is always worth checking out used barcode scanners because you might find the perfect used barcode scanner at a great price. As new barcode scanner technology is made available, you might want to upgrade your barcode scanners but to get started, getting a used barcode scanner is something that many people choose to do.

Uses of 2D Barcodes

The first item ever sold using a barcode and scanner was a packet of chewing gum at an Ohio supermarket in June 1974. This was a conventional linear barcode, years before 2D barcodes were introduced.

2D barcodes are useful for a variety of things and it is now possible to pay for postage over the internet using a credit card rather than buying stamps. Your item of mail is then allocated a unique 2D barcode. 2D barcodes are also being used in Samsung smart ovens. The oven reads the 2D barcodes which contain data about how long to cook the food and at which temperature.

2D barcodes were introduced in 1988 by the Intermec Corporation. 2D barcodes hold more information in the same small space. You can get twenty characters on a 1D barcode or a thousand on a 2D barcode. A 2D barcode might look like traditional black stripe barcodes stacked on top of each other or a checkerboard. 2D scanners use both imaging and CCD technology to read barcodes.

Types of 2D Barcodes

Datamatrix is a square symbology of different densities. PDF417 can be printed at different densities and aspect ratios and this technology is used on personal ID including drivers’ licenses, transportation documents and manifests. PDF417 is the best way to pack the most data into the smallest space, which is why it is the standard 2D barcode used and many 2D applications favor it. QR code, Maxicode and Aztec are other types of 2D barcode.

1D Barcodes vs 2D Barcodes

Both of these barcode types are needed. Sometimes 1D barcodes cannot hold enough data but 1D barcodes are best for low capacity applications such as serial numbers. A 1D barcode holds less data and it is spread over the height of the barcode. This means that even if the barcode is of low quality or slightly scratched, a 1D barcode scanner can still read it. If you only need about fifteen characters then a 1D barcode is a better option because it is easier to scan.

Linear and Imaging 2D Barcode Scanners

These barcodes can be read by linear barcode scanners which can scan up, down and across. The scanner needs an image reader to process the image algorithmically if Datamatrix is used. An image scanner is like a digital camera with an integrated processor. This means they are able to capture images such as a signature.

Like with a 2D bar code scanner working with linear barcode, image scanners can interface via a serial port or as a keyboard wedge. A 2D scanner contains a tiny video camera which scans the 2D barcode and then a digital image processor interprets the data.

The point of a barcode is to identify something. When a checkout clerk scans a product, for example, the barcode data is fed into the computer and the item and price are identified. The computer is also able to track how much stock is left in the store.

Barcodes are also a fast, error-free way of inputting data into a computer application. With manual data input, someone might key in an incorrect character but this does not happen with barcode technology.

There are four main types of barcode readers and each one uses a different kind of technology for reading and decoding barcodes. These four types are pen or wand type readers, laser scanners, camera-based readers and CCD scanners.

2D Barcode Scanners

Barcodes can be 1D or 2D. A barcode with black lines is a 1D barcode and a barcode with multiple 1D barcodes or other symbols, squares or dots is referred to as a 2D (two dimensional) barcode. 2D barcode scanners are used to read 2D barcodes.

CCD Barcode Scanners

CCD (charge coupled device) is the most common barcode technology and CCD barcode scanners use a collection of tiny, light sensitive diodes to read barcodes. There are actually hundreds of light sensors lined up in rows inside a CCD reader. A CCD reader measures ambient light from a barcode whereas a laser or pen scanner measures the reflected light going into the scanner itself.

Portable Scanners

Portable barcode scanners are handy to use because they are lightweight and you can carry them around. Pen barcode scanners are also economical, do not use much power and are small and lightweight. To use a pen barcode reader, you drag the tip of the pen across the barcode at a steady, even pace.

Many people like to use handheld barcode scanners because they can move them around rather than having to position the barcode to be read underneath the scanner itself. Bluetooth barcode scanners and wireless barcode scanners are available now, thanks to modern technology, and these make the scanners more versatile and easier to use.

Laser Scanners

Laser scanners work in a similar way to pen scanners but they use a laser beam as the light source and either a rotating prism or a mirror to scan the laser back and forth along the barcode.

Camera-based readers

Camera-based barcode readers use video capture to capture the barcode image, then digital image processing to decode it. Video cameras use the same technology as CCD barcode readers but a video camera has hundreds of rows of sensors rather than a single row.

PC Barcode Scanners

PC barcode scanners, such as USB scanners, plug into the your computer and work alongside it. These are also very popular. All applications can support barcode readers as long as you have the correct equipment. When you scan a barcode with a PC barcode scanner, the information goes into the computer as if you had inputted it on to the keyboard