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. For this reason they are generally easier to use for an untrained operator. CCD scanners usually have to be within a few inches of the code. Lasers can be a foot or two away, depending on model.
Laser scanners can read longer barcodes than CCDs.
Because the scanner is further from the code, a laser scanner can have a wider sweep and therefore read longer code symbols. CCD units are usually limited to code lengths of three to four inches, depending on model. There has always been some confusion about the interfaces available on Hand Held CCD Scanners. Essentially this interface connects between the keyboard and console of a computer system. After the scanner has read a code it emulates the keyboard, sending the barcode data to the computer as though it were typed on the keyboard.