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In the world of retail there can't be many more revolutionary products compared to handheld barcode scanner. The advantage of this kind of scanner is it is so simple to use. Just point it in the barcode, press the trigger and also the job is done. Also, since it is worked manually anyone using one of these simple pieces of equipment is not as likely to make a mistake.

Strictly speaking handheld barcode scanners are coupled to the computer by a cable. You will find handhelds which are connected up wirelessly. There is no cable restricting what lengths the scanner can be used from the computer; the only real limit is the array of the wireless signal. They can be small enough to fit in to a pocket. The purists don't class these scanners as handheld, instead they will use the term "wireless barcode scanner." But these scanners do offer exactly the same ease of use as the handheld variety.

cash register - The handheld scanners that many people will be using will utilise a couple of scanning technologies, the laser as well as the LED. Lasers remain the most popular, despite the introduction of LED scanning technology over the last few years.

With laser scanning technology the scanning unit contains a laser diode. The laser diode generates a dot which becomes the laser beam by being projected into a vibrating mirror. The laser beam is then scanned along the barcode.

LED can be a newer type of scanning technology as well as the handheld barcode scanners incorporating it tend to be durable. Also LED is more versatile in the type of barcode it can read - you can use it to scan horizontal bar codes as well as the more typical vertical ones. The sensor then accumulates the reflected light and the data is converted into ASCII text.

point of sale system - One decision that anyone thinking about using a handheld unit inside their business is whether to stick to the conventional 1D type of scanner or perhaps the newer 2D units. The 2D scanners are becoming more popular as they offer more, especially obviously the ability to read the new 2D barcodes such as data matrix. These barcodes holds much more information compared to the 1D type can which obviously means they are attractive to use. However, the 2D handheld scanners do cost a lot more than the 1D units. Obviously if the business can manage using the capacity restrictions of the 1D barcode then there is no real must upgrade. Of course the converse often happens and many more businesses are now looking at the higher specification units.