Non integrated devices require an input source. Make sure you're aware of the difference between decoded and non decoded. The use of a wand requires a slight degree of physical dexterity since you must be able to scan across the entire barcode while holding the wand at a slight angle with a constant speed. The scan begins ahead of the barcode and extends slightly past the barcode, this area ahead and behind the barcode is called the quiet zone. This generally does not present a problem except when the barcodes are placed in awkward positions, are very small or extremely large.
Wands are the least expensive of the various barcode readers.
They also have the look and feel of a pen or pencil, devices most people are well acquainted with. Wands can be the device of choice in situations where a user has to contend with multiple barcodes on a page. Applications such as work in process, entry from barcoded lists or catalogs can work well with wands. Within a time frame of a couple of years CCD technology has evolved from a contact scanning device to models capable of scanning from a distance of four to five inches. Scanning distance is important to CCD's because, with an increased range, larger barcodes may be read.