USB Barcode Reader

Looking for a USB barcode reader?  The USB readers are the more modern version of the readers that would otherwise be inserted into the PS2 keyboard jack at the back of the computer.  Whether or not the USB is better or not though is up for discussion.  Some people don’t like the fact that there can be driver compatibility issues that pop up, while others prefer the ease of use as the hardware is auto detected and installed when inserted into a USB port.  This technology is known as “Plug ‘N Play”.

Of course one drawback to a USB barcode reader is the fact that it is attached via a cable.  Some people may prefer to get a wireless reader so that there is less clutter or so that it can be a bit more mobile in it’s application.

But going back to the USB barcode reader, the good thing about these is that they can be bought relatively cheap in comparison to their cordless Bluetooth counterparts.  You can get some of these readers for as low as $60-150, while more fancy ones may run you upwards of $300-500.

Now If you’re looking for a particular brand of reader, one of the most popular ones is the Ccd Contact Barcode Scanner.  This will cost only about $60 odd dollars which is part of the reason why it’s so popular.   When you pick this product up, it will come with both the scanner as well as a booklet.  The scanner comes with the standard USB port but no other connection options and the booklet has a few barcodes within that will let you change the scanner’s settings (ex: trigger, auto, toggle) as well as the audio (tone or duration).

When you install this particular scanner, it is done on Windows XP by just plugging it into the USB port.  Because it’s Plug N’ Play, you don’t have to worry about anything else, it should be up and ready to go.

As far as how to use it, it’s simple enough, point it at the barcode and press the trigger.  The button on this scanner is rubbery but it has a nice feel to it when you click it.  This is a USB barcode reader that is easy to use, you can scan items over and over again without any trouble.

One thing though is you can’t really hold the scanner a few inches away from the barcode, instead you have to almost touch the scanner to the product in order for it to register.  Once you have scanned the item in, it is placed within the computer system as if you had typed it in manually.

Now if you’re looking for another USB barcode reader, there are others out there, but this is likely the best deal you’ll find online.  Nevertheless, you should probably search around anyway to make sure you know what all is out there.