BarCode Scanners, which do you recommend?

Looking forward to hearing real world experiences.

At our company, we've been using the Socket SDSC 3P scanners which plug into the SD slot of our Dell Axim PDA's. The Axim's have been discontinued of course, so we're also using Pharos 535 PDA's. I think having this modular functionality has increased Desktop Support buy-in, because you can remove the scanner, and you don't have a clunky device hanging on your belt. The software integration works well, and we have very few issues scanning. It scans well at several feet, and behind PC's with cables and such. Also, you can scan relatively quickly, depending on how fast your PDA processes the information it's receiving.

It can be a bit pricey (scanner unit runs around $350, PDA $250), but still not as much as the integrated scanner/PDA units. Plus, these Pharos PDA's have GPS capabilities, so throw in your own GPS software, and you've got a pretty versatile tool.

I've used the MC70 without problems for Altris Barcode. The "trick" with being successful with barcode is to set the profile correctly and not try and download to much, but download enough to complete the task you are using barcode with.

Jonathan Jesse
Director of Training
ITS Partners

I appreciate the comments made so far! Please keep them coming... If anyone else has any comments or experiences with any of the three types of barcode scanners, I would like to hear from you.

I wanted to give everyone an updated post. After much time and research, the decision has been made to go with the MC9090-G. I attached an additional spreadsheet for everyone to see the side by side comparison that was done.

3 PDT8100, 1 MC50, and 8 Hp hx2200 with Symbol socket scanners.
You can get the Hx2200 with scanner for about $600. Pretty good price. Their are two tricks to this scanner both related to the Symbol scanner software. Both are in the white papers for barcode 6.5 and make sure that you read the white paper!
basically never select Symbol Scanner software on the PDA! Other wise you have to un-install all the software and reinstall it in the proper order. PLUS you will lose any scan information that you have on the scanner.

I also did a lot of training with users on barcode scanners. I wrote a how to manual with lots of pictures. I also do not let anyone scan unless they have been trained by me.

I also have a report that runs every half hour looking for users who down load a high amount ( over 1000) of records. If they do follow my previous post on how to find and delete a barcode users profile

We use an hx2495 in combination with a Socket 7P. Tried the lower models (with lower class lasers and even IR) and they couldn't read scratched or very small barcodes on some computers and monitors. Not sure how portable you need the device but when first implementing the barcode solution and sending a technician out to every department armed with this, it was a lifesaver. Trying to get a corded scanner for the stockroom since the other can get up and walk away pretty easily for doing other inventorying.

I was in the same situation in determining which one to go with in order to start using the solution.

The recommendation from my ALtiris sales guy was either the MC50 or MC70 because most of the customers that he had with Barcode in place went with those.

I found a local scanner company and he supplied me with both to demo out. I decided on the MC70 because it seemed to be constructed better and as far as scanning went, the laser on the MC70 seemed to function a lot better from angles and distances.

Just my opinion.