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.

I want to use the upload feature within our Altiris tool. I notice that it uses active-Synch. What scanners will work? Thanks

Here is a full list of supported devices with Barcode Solution 6.7. I have personally only used the Integrated Handheld Devices with Active Sync 4.5 (Build 5096).

Integrated Handheld Devices (handheld and barcode)
• Symbol Technologies PPT 2800 and PPT 8800
• Symbol Technologies MC50, MC70, & MC9090-G
Handheld Devices
• Dell X50, X51
• Hewlett Packard iPaq HX2490, HX2750, HX2795
• Hewlett Packard iPaq HW6920, HW6940
Barcode Devices
• Socket Cordless Hand Scanner (Bluetooth)
• Socket SD Scan Card
• Socket CF Scan Card
RFID Devices
• Socket CF RFID Reader-Scan Card 6P
Supported Barcodes
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
• Code 39
• Code 128
• Interleaved 2 of 5
• UPC barcode symbologies formats

is it true that you have to load the MC50 with all your data before you scan? I am used to building catagories and then just scan into them. Thanks

Once you do your initial synchronization and get Barcoder loaded you go into Altiris to configure what you want downloaded. Don't overload the scanner with everything as you may get memory errors or it may just take for ever to do the Delta Download or even just time out.

In barcode manager you build a profile and select only the information you would like to download. As mentioned you don't want to select too much in your profile to overwhelm your barcorde devices' memory.

Jonathan Jesse
Director of Training
ITS Partners

Is there a way to utilize the SD card slot to store the data in there if your profile is too large for the device itself?

I have not tried it personally, but just from my personal experience I think you would still run into memory errors.

the last i tried, barcode solution did not leverage the memory card, only the internal memory the scanner has

Jonathan Jesse
Director of Training
ITS Partners

are you in need of any more Symbol MC9090's? I have refurbished models that are in like new condition.

If you need your current ones repaired I can do this too.

Give me a call in the morning.

Joe

Joe Anselmo
Legacy Technology Services Inc
(847) 621-3300 ext. 418
Email: janselmo@legacyglobal.com

That is exactly what we used in our environment.  They work great, and being that they run Windows Mobile, techs could use them for more than just scanning.

Here is the list of the devices supported with version 7.0:

Integrated Handheld Devices

• Honeywell Dolphin series (7600, 7900, 9500)
• Symbol Technologies MC35, MC50, MC70, MC75
  Note: Only Symbol devices running Pocket PC 2003 SE

Barcode Devices

• Socket Cordless Hand Scanner (Bluetooth)
• Socket SD Scanner
• Socket CF Scanner

RFID Devices

• Global ID CF Reader
• Symbol Technologies MC9090-G
• Promag ProxData CF Reader/Writer

Operating Systems

• WM5 still supported
• WinMobile 6 Devices - list specific
• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition

Discontinued

• Symbol Technologies PPT 2800 - drop
• Symbol Technologies PPT 8100 - drop
• Symbol Technologies PPT 8800 - drop
• Flic Cordless Bluetooth Scanner - drop
   

SD card support is provided in version 7.0.  There is a way to get SD cards to work with version 6.7 (a service pack MIGHT be in the works).

Sandy, when will Asset 7 release?

I been using mc50 model and having a hard time scanning s/n barcode that located next m/n barcode.  Sometimes it takes a couple of try to pick up the barcode.  Also, I am having an issue with "Internet Explorer 'Press Ok to contiunue loading the content of this page'", some1 mentions that Window CE 2005 would fix this issue, but require an upgrade fees.

ktran, you can send that in to me and I can repair your mc50 for you.  My turnaround time for most makes/models is 3-5 days for repairs.

Joe Anselmo
Legacy Technology Inc
Direct (630) 622-2018
Email: janselmo@legacyglobal.com

Sandy~

Is there any plans on getting the Panasonic Toughbook U1 working with Barcode Solution in Version 7?  It runs a full OS (Windows XP or Vista) it has the choice of 1D, 2D barcode or RFID readers to scan from.

www.panasonic.com/business/Toughbook/ultra-mobile-rugged-toughbook-u1-UMPC.asp

I actually have some Panasonic Toughbooks available if interested. 

Give me a call. 

Joe Anselmo
Legacy Technology Inc

Direct (630) 622-2018

Email: janselmo@legacyglobal.com