Recommended Bar Code Readers and Printers

Below is a brochure from Zebra, the new owner of Symbol, that shows a full line of their offerings. 

Our recommendation is to look at the “Rugged Lasers” as these provide a good entry-level type scanner that are constructed for warehouse type work environments.  The difference between the Rugged Lasers and the Rugged Imagers on the PDF is that Laser models work on 1D bar codes, similar to those found on most packages from your manufacturers.  The Imagers are compatible with 1D, 2D and PDF417 bar codes, or those box-type bar codes found on FedEx shipments or often known as QR codes.

The brochure also shows those that are corded and cordless.  The corded models plug into any PC via a USB cable.  The cordless models offer a base that is connected to a PC via a USB but allows the scanner to be used away from the base.  Some cordless models reach as far away as 300 feet but most work within a 100 foot radius.  There are some Wi-Fi type scanners, but those are usually much more expensive.

Our typical recommendation is the DS3578 since it is a rugged model capable of drops from a certain height, is cordless and will work with both 1D and 2D barcodes, allowing it be used with other applications aside from WinNetStar.

In regards to printers, we print to a 1” x 2” label which are used on a strip printer of your choosing.  You can also use the Avery 5160 full page option.  However, when using the full page option, you cannot set column and row to print on.  It will print left to right however many of the quantity of labels or number of individual labels you request.