Wireless Barcode Scanners w/ on-board memory

October 7, 2013 11:15 AM

I need to (with some urgency) select a wireless barcode scanner that our inventory guys can use to grab codes from a pallet of worth of small boxes. It's got to operate without a constant USB connection, and preferably store the scanned codes locally on the scanner for later transfer to a laptop (USB for that later transfer is fine). Has anyone got similar devices working right now that they're happy with/happy to recommend? I'm in Canada, so bonus points if Newegg or similar sells it up here.
posted by Kreiger to Technology (8 answers total)

Best answer: Motorola CS3000 series.
posted by primethyme at 11:42 AM on October 7, 2013

Can you just use a smartphone?
posted by srboisvert at 11:45 AM on October 7, 2013

Response by poster: That was my first recommendation, srboisvert. They definitely want dedicated devices.
posted by Kreiger at 11:47 AM on October 7, 2013

I won't speak for Kreiger, but a proper scanner is MUCH faster at scanning than a smartphone. If you have one or two barcodes to scan, a smartphone is ok. If you have a lot, it's a major pain. Also, a laser-based scanner like the one I recommended can scan from several feet away. A CCD scanner needs closer range, and a smartphone typically needs closer range still (unless the barcodes are huge).
posted by primethyme at 11:47 AM on October 7, 2013

Best answer: We used the Motorola CS1504 for basically the exact use case you are talking about and it worked great.
posted by Rock Steady at 11:57 AM on October 7, 2013

Response by poster: Rock Steady and primethyme, I've actually come across those in my Googling, but I was a little leery of buying something without a pistol grip on it.

I haven't had to use them for much before, though, so I could be imagining a requirement here that isn't needed.
posted by Kreiger at 12:01 PM on October 7, 2013

Kreiger: Rock Steady and primethyme, I've actually come across those in my Googling, but I was a little leery of buying something without a pistol grip on it.

The one I've used sits really well between your thumb and forefinger, so ergonomics really shouldn't be a problem. It's also got a little ring on the back that you could attach to a wrist strap or other lanyard-type situation.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:14 PM on October 7, 2013

I have used scanners with pistol grips as well as the small Motorolas. I prefer the small ones because they're lighter and less fatiguing to use for a long period of time. You can put them on a lanyard if you're worried about them being dropped. However, if I wanted a pistol grip scanner, I'd just look at whatever the cheapest Motorola/Symbol laser-based model is, and get that. I haven't looked at them recently, but they must have one with a similar onboard memory feature.
posted by primethyme at 12:14 PM on October 7, 2013