Handheld barcode scanners are any
scanners that are held with hands.
Fixed mount Barcode Scanners which
are attached to a counter, assembly
line, or wall and aren't operated by the
user in a direct way would be the
opposite of the handheld scanner. Most
handheld barcode scanners have a
design with a trigger and a grip similar
to a handgun to activate the scanning
operation. Some scanners are
designed with a button on top instead of
a trigger below and with a grip.
However, Portable Data Collectors
(PDTs) are also scanners that are
better related to the handheld barcode
scanners and these PDTs can either be
totally mobile computers, with different
operating systems or Pocket PC or else
can have their inherent data collection
software running which functions to
attach important information such as
quantity stamps and time to the
barcodes scanned.
When searching for handheld barcode
scanners, there are some important
performance specifications you should
consider before purchasing which are minimum distance from
the target, PCS value, maximum barcode width, resolution,
scan rate. The minimum distance is the distance the target

can be away from the scanner and it is important for non or
near-contact only. The contrast level between bars and
background to be high enough for consistent readings is
measured by PCS which stands for Print Contrast Signal. The
"X" dimension sometimes refers also to the minimum
resolution and it equals to narrowest space or bar in the
barcode which can be used to determine the density of a
barcode that is the number of characters per inch.
The scan rate refers to the number of scans per second that a
barcode scanner can differentiate between. The choices of
optical head include CCD/ LED or laser. Both LED and Laser
scanning methods result in a digital signal that has be
translated into computer-compatible or recognizable data.
Using a certain algorithm, each bar coded message is
identified and interpreted by the decoder, then the decoder
either transmits that data directly to the host computer or
utilizes that data for additional purposes. Any device inserted
between the terminal that translates the digital signals into
usable codes and the scanner is referred to the term "wedge".
Other important parameters you should consider when
specifying the handheld barcode scanners are software
interfaces, user interface options, reading specifications,
environmental operating conditions and other general
features.
Finally, If you are looking for the cheapest and most
advanced and durable handheld barcode scanners currently
on the market with optimum performance and specifications
then check out this handheld barcode scanners list for
a comprehensive items list of different handheld barcode

scanners to compare the prices and choose the cheapest and
best ones with the specifications that suit your business most
and if you are still looking for more info and details on these
scanners then check out another handheld barcode
scanners review here.