Wands are the oldest and most cost-effective method of bar code scanning. Advantages of using a wand are its rugged, lightweight design and the ability to read codes of almost any length. CCD's are less expensive and more rugged than lasers. The depth of field of a CCD is less than that of a laser, but some CCD's can read up to 1 foot away. Non-contact bar code readers.
Lasers offer the largest depth of field, are easy to use and read a wide variety of code densities.
Lasers allow for easy reading of bar codes on imperfect surfaces or through glass. Click here to go to the Product Guide . Once a bar code is read, the information needs to be translated into recognizable data. Transmitting the data requires a link to the host computer. The scanner reads and decodes the information and sends it to the PC or terminal as if it originated from the keyboard, while the keyboard remains fully functional.