Barcode Scanner Suggestions

[jfrost10]

Hey guys,

We're looking for a barcode scanner for an inventory app we're working on. Needs to run on Pocket PC and have some sort of API to the Compact .NET Framework so that we can capture the scan.

We have been looking at the Symbol products, but are also considering just an add-on card for a regular pocket pc.

Any pointing-in-the-right-direction would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

D'Arcy

 

[bboffin]

I have some experience of the Symbol PPC devices and have had no problems with the barcode scanners which work well in CF .NET. The quality of the SDK and the documentation leaves something to be desired but their support desk (in the UK at least) has been very helpful.

I have some reservations about CF .NET in general as it seems to carry quite an overhead and applications can run rather slowly. However I have been using the PPC2800 device which has a pretty slow processor.

I have also programmed for the SPT1500 Symbol device which is Palm based using AppForge's MobileVB addin for VB6. This is a delightful device. It runs quickly, is very easy to program and has a much clearer screen than any PPC I have ever seen. If you aren't 100% committed to PPC and the SPT1500 can do the job I recommend you take a look at it. I found that most applications for the SPT1500 take no more than 2-3 days to get fully tested whereas it takes at least 2-3 weeks for a typical PPC CF .NET application - admittedly with more functionality.




Bob Boffin