Suggestions for Barcode Scanner?

[Namuna]

- The latest issue of MaximumPC said the IntelliScanner mini is "geek tested and approved"
http://www.intelliscanner.com/products/mini/index.html

Which looks like a sweet setup...EXCEPT for:
- It's $300 !!
- Doesn't seem to be compatible with anything other than its' own software.
- Doesn't mention what kind of batteries it uses, so I imagine they're likely button cells

- They also have the IntelliScanner SOHO:
http://www.intelliscanner.com/products/soho/index.html

Which actually looks like a pretty good solution as it will work with 3rd party apps, has a keyboard emulator, has built-in memory so you can use it untethered. But also costs $300 (plus another $50 if you want all the software that the mini comes with).

I'm also open to the idea of Do-It-Yourself and Open Source. The "CueCat" seems to be a good candidate for that, with USB hacked version being readily available on ebay. But being a tethered item only, isn't the greatest option.

I also have a Dell Axim X30 and X50v PDAs that I'd love to resurrect as Barcode Scanners...But Bluetooth scanners are more expensive than the IntelliScanners.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Blueychan]

So you going to inventory your underwear?

 

[Penth]

Look on ebay for a Symbol MC50. I had a second chance offer to buy one for $230 but I had already won a couple of others. They're a PPC and 2D Barcode scanner built into one. They run windows mobile and you can either design an app or just write a website that captures inventory. We use them at work and having the screen and scanner in the same unit with the feedback is much more helpful than having a seperate barcode scanner. I'd imagine if you want to do home inventory you're going to do some kind of custom software to keep track of it and use the information. I just write simple web pages using php to input and output from a database.

 

[walrus]

I still have a CueCat, didn't cost me a thing. Never have used it.

 

[legoman666]

Originally posted by: walrus
I still have a CueCat, didn't cost me a thing. Never have used it.

my brother uses one of those for his www.librarything.com account.

 

[Namuna]

Thanks for the replies folks, so far the Intelliscanner is still looking like the best (but still too darn much money solution!).

I checked out Symbol MC50 on ebay, but all the prices I'm seeing are in the neighborhood of $500. $230 sounds like a nice deal.

 

[Pepsi90919]

i use barcode scanners at my work for various things, also onsite. i just ordered a handful of Metrologic MS9250s that work pretty kewl for $150-ish.

don't deal with wireless stuff so i can't comment there.