One - Hand Held Scanners Hand held CCD scanners have competed with hand held laser scanners in Point of Sale and similar applications for many years. CDD scanners have advantages and disadvantages when compared to laser units. This FAQ will attempt to clarify these issues to help users make a more informed decision when considering the purchase of a hand held scanner. CCD Scanners have no moving parts.
Lasers have oscillating mirrors that are subject to wear and mechanical failure.
CCD Scanners use LEDs for illumination. LEDs have about ten times the life of laser diodes. Their illumination level is safe for direct viewing, so safety precautions are not necessary. CCD Scanners are generally smaller, lighter and less expensive than laser scanners. CCD Scanners have scan rates of 45 scans per second or faster, which is comparable to laser units.