Making lists from barcodes: Is there an app for that?

June 30, 2010 12:20 PM

Is there an app (I'm on Android, but an iPhone app name might also help me track one down) that will let me make a list of products (specifically books) using just barcodes?

On a recent trip, I stopped into several bookstores and saw stuff I wanted to buy, but didn't want to carry home. I took pictures of the covers so I'd remember them later, but REALLY wanted to just scan the barcode and have a list of them.

Does such a thing exist? I've looked at several barcode-scanner apps (including 2 I use frequently), but they're geared towards finding prices/information, rather than for remembering specific products.

Thanks!

posted by coolguymichael to Computers & Internet (14 answers total)

Best answer: The Amazon app for Android has a list of things you looked up (by barcode OR cover).
posted by JMOZ at 12:22 PM on June 30, 2010

iBookshelf for the iPhone is not that great, but does exactly what you are looking for. Scan a book barcode, and it will query for the rest of the book info and populate the entry.
posted by Aquaman at 12:24 PM on June 30, 2010

There's a free app (not from Amazon) that also stores a list of previous scans. Downside: it's a pain to get barcodes in low light, and has trouble with barcodes through CD cases due to the plastic reflections. I don't have my phone with me now, but I'll post a link to the app when I get home.
posted by filthy light thief at 12:24 PM on June 30, 2010

The Amazon app is exactly this. I use it all the time and it stores your list both on your phone and on your Amazon account. Plus, you can scan ANYTHING and save it.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 12:32 PM on June 30, 2010

RedLaser and SnapTell on the iPhone, dunno if they are on Android.
posted by entropicamericana at 12:32 PM on June 30, 2010

Response by poster: Wow! 2 minutes later and my question is answered. The Amazon app is exactly what I'm looking for -- I should've thought of that first. I'll check out the others, though.

Thank you so much!!!
posted by coolguymichael at 12:37 PM on June 30, 2010

Best answer: Amazon does the job but in case you're looking for something a little more retailer-agnostic, SpringPad does a fine job as well.
posted by ConstantineXVI at 12:43 PM on June 30, 2010

Google Goggles can also do this, and it's pretty neat with the other things you can scan as well.
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 1:08 PM on June 30, 2010

I use another barcode scanning app on my droid called Shop Savvy which lets you scan items then save them to a wishlist. It also checks the best price for the item and can do price alerts if the price drops. When I first downloaded it I went around the house scanning everything with a barcode. :)
posted by thekilgore at 2:31 PM on June 30, 2010

Side question - are the lists exportable? I need to relist a family member's stash on Half.com.
posted by tilde at 6:01 PM on June 30, 2010

Best answer: Packrat for Android is built specifically for this. It does books, dvds etc.
posted by gryftir at 9:02 PM on June 30, 2010

Response by poster: Springpad and Packrat both look great, and without the Amazon tie-in (which I don't really need). Google Goggles gives almost zero information about what it actually does on its website, but I'll check it out as well.

Thanks!
posted by coolguymichael at 3:33 PM on July 1, 2010

I run both Barcode Scanner (simple program, keeps a list of scan history) and ShopSavvy (more features). Barcode Scanner will recognize the QR Code on Cyrket, linking you to the app store, which is pretty swanky.
posted by filthy light thief at 4:44 PM on July 1, 2010

On re-reading your original question, Barcode Scanner might be just what you want. It stores UPC barcodes as a string of characters with a barcode format, and gives you the option to open Product Search (web-based Google Shopping), Web Search (for the string of characters in your browser with Google) or Google Shopper (Google app). Nothing fancy.
posted by filthy light thief at 4:50 PM on July 1, 2010