A USB barcode scanner, also sometimes referred to as a USB barcode reader, has a number of features on it depending on its type and the kind of technology it uses to read barcodes. On the most fundamental level, all barcode readers would have:

• A light source for scanning and retrieving barcode information;
• A lens for reflecting the light at a certain angle over the barcode to generate the binary digital signals from the barcode; and
• A light sensor to capture these binary digital signals from the reflected light.

If a barcode scanner does not have these basic features, it will not be able to do its job.

But there are many types of USB barcode scanners, and these barcode scanners have features that are unique to them. The four basic types of USB barcode scanners are listed below, along with their features.

4 Types of Usb barcode Scanners

1. Pen-type or wand-type scanners. The pen-type or wand-type barcode scanner has the advantage of being the most inexpensive of all the different types of barcode scanners. It would have the light source and the light sensor placed side by side on the tip of the wand.

This type of barcode scanner is held by hand and needs to come into contact with the barcode itself for the scanner to work. The pen-type scanner is also moved across the barcode at a certain angle so it could capture the necessary information.

2. Laser barcode scanners. This type of barcode scanner works in a similar way to the pen-type scanner, except that the light source in a laser barcode scanner is a laser beam. Also, a laser barcode scanner is a lot more accurate than the pen-type scanner because it uses rotating mirrors that reflect the light back and forth the barcode. This allows the barcode reader to scan the barcode around 500 times or more per second, thus narrowing the margin for error in capturing the binary digital signals.

Another advantage of the laser barcode scanner over the pen-type scanner is that the scanner does not have to touch the barcode. The laser scanner can also work at a short distance from the barcode.

3. CCD barcode scanners. CCD or charged couple device barcode scanners utilize hundreds of light sensors arranged in a row at the head of the scanner to read the signals coming from the barcode. Unlike laser- and pen-type scanners, they measure ambient light instead of reflected light. CCD barcode scanners are often handheld and must be held an inch over the barcode itself.

4. Camera-based scanners. Unlike the types of scanners described above, which reads data from barcode signals with the use of light, camera-based scanners take a snapshot of the barcode instead with the use of a camera. Its built-in digital image processors glean the data from the snapshot.

You will definitely need to buy a USB barcode scanner depending on your needs. If you are going to use a handheld scanner, you may want to get one that features an ergonomic design. Sensitivity of the scanner is another feature that you would want to have, especially if it is going to be the stationary type.

Official Motorola website

The Symbol LS2208 USB laser barcode scanner is a product of Motorola that promises fast barcode scanning with a high degree of accuracy.

This is the ideal laser barcode scanner for you if you are looking to increase your work efficiency without having to make a large investment on an expensive scanner. It would be very useful not just for retail checkout systems but also for hospitals, government offices and educational institutions.

The LS2208 USB laser barcode scanner has many attractive features that make it a versatile barcode scanner. Among these features are:

· A wide working range. The LS2208 can scan barcodes as close as near-contact or as far away as 17 inches. This barcode scanner also has a 6-foot USB cable, so you are sure to be able to move without a lot of problems while you scan your items.

· Easy integration. The LS2208 has a number of on-board interfaces that will guarantee easy regardless of the host system being used. Also, because of this USB laser barcode scanner‘s plug-and-play feature, you can use it without any hassle as soon as you set it up and connect the cable to the USB port of your computer.

· Speedy operations while maintaining accuracy. The LS2208 has a bi-directional scanner, 650nn visible laser diode light source and a scanning speed of 100 scans per second. This means you will be able to work as fast as you are able to with the LS2208 scanner. However, this does not imply that the accuracy of your work will suffer. The LS2208 has a high degree of accuracy for capturing 1D barcodes for the first time.

· Intuitive design for easy handling. Most importantly, the design of the LS2208 is considered to be intuitive, so your learning curve for using this USB laser barcode scanner model will not be slow or steep. Your safety from injuries while using this barcode scanner is also guaranteed by its sleek and ergonomic design. It is also quite light at 146 grams.

· Highly durable even with continuous use. The single-board construction of the LS2208 has passed the 5-foot drop durability tests, which gives proof to the sturdiness of its design. The exit window is also made from tempered and scratch-resistant glass, which enhances the durability of this laser barcode scanner model, even if you use it continuously.

The Symbol LS2208 USB laser barcode scanner comes in the colors twilight black as well as cash register white. Without a doubt, this barcode scanner is a safe and handy gadget that you can have around to help you increase your work efficiency. You are sure to have a reliable barcode scanner that will not cost you a fortune to buy.

As useful as PS/2 or USB barcode scanners are, one of the biggest hassles in using them is that the cord that connects these barcode scanners to the computer can limit the movement of the person using it.

You cannot bring these corded barcode scanners anywhere outside the reach of their cords, and there is the obvious danger of getting tangled with the cord. All these dangers and limitations of the corded barcode scanner, however, are eliminated by the Bluetooth barcode scanner.

The Symbol LS4278 Bluetooth barcode scanner is Motorola’s contribution to the wireless barcode scanner arena. This cordless barcode scanner promises to add to the efficiency of any work station and at the same time eliminates the dangers that corded barcode scanners often pose. The more salient features of the LS4278 are listed below.

· Secure wireless connection. The integrated Bluetooth function of the LS4278 guarantees that the wireless data transmission that you need to conduct as you work with your barcode scanner will remain secure and free from malicious malware attacks.

· Wide working range. The LS4278 has a working range of up to 50 feet. This means that not only do you get to move freely when you use your Bluetooth barcode scanner, but you need not move at all if the barcode that you need to scan is well within range.

· Ease of handling. You can use your LS4278 barcode scanner right after you take it out of the box. The plug-and-play system makes it easy for you to deploy it right away. Also, the design is ergonomic so you can hold it and use it without feeling too much strain on your fingers.

· Increased work efficiency. The LS4278 has a multi-line rastering scan pattern; this means you do not have to hold your scanner at a precise angle just to get the barcode reading that you need. The charging contacts can take up to more than 250,000 insertions, and this means that you can be assured of using the scanner for a long while. In addition, the LS4278 has a superior motion tolerance feature that eliminates the need for pauses between scans, as well as a remote scanner management system that allows you to work from a central location.

· Durability. When you buy the LS4278 Bluetooth barcode scanner, you are assured that you are investing in a piece of equipment that will last you a long time. It is designed to be tough; it can withstand spills and scratches, and it is guaranteed to survive a drop from a five-foot height. Your downtime from breaking the barcode scanner will not be that long or that frequent.

The Symbol LS4278 Bluetooth Usb barcode scanner is a wise investment for your business. You are sure to see an increase in your productivity and sustain that productivity for a long while.