The higher the density of the bar code, the closer to the bar code the laser scanner must be. Long range laser scanners are naturally more expensive than the standard laser scanners. Wand Scanners Wand Scanners are the least expensive and the oldest type of bar code scanner,s sometimes called pen scanners. The wand scanner must be moved by the user's hand across and in contact with the bar code. While the wand is moving across the bar code, the reflected light is converted to electrical signals through a photocell in the wand.
Wands can read any length of bar code.
Many wands can read through CD cases and audio tape cases. Wands are made in both metal and plastic. The wands made in the USA or Japan are generally superior to wands made in Taiwan. Low resolution wands have a larger diameter aperture for the reflected light to pass through to the photocell. High resolution wands have a smaller diameter aperture.