Top Hands-Free Scanners

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Three of the best available presentation scanners are the Datalogic Cobalto CO5300, the Zebra DS9208, and the Zebra DS7708. The Cobalto is one of the most affordable and powerful low-volume 1D scanners, while the Zebra DS9208 and Zebra DS7708 are among the best 2D imagers for light volume (DS9208) and heavier volume (DS7708) scanning.

Datalogic Cobalto CO5300
Price: $224
Imaging: 1D omnidirectional laser
Interfaces: Keyboard Wedge; OEM (IBM) USB; RS-232; USB
Warranty: 3 years
Features: Single-line scanning, polyphonic speaker with customizable correct scan sound
Suited for: Convenience stores (single-line scanning is great for lottery tickets), light-volume scanning

Zebra DS9208 (formerly Motorola DS9208)
Price: $252
Imaging: 1D/2D imager
Interfaces: USB, RS-232, RS-485 (IBM 46xx Protocols), Keyboard Wedge
Warranty: 3 years
Features: Very small footprint, works well in bright light, scans off of phones
Suited for: Convenience stores, small retail, light-to-medium volume scanning

Zebra DS7708 (formerly Symbol DS7708)
Price: $441
Imaging: 1D/2D imager
Interfaces: USB, RS-232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
Warranty: 3 years
Features: Recessed scan window prevents against scratches, powerful scan engine that can scan poorly printed, damaged, and digital barcodes
Suited for: Grocery stores, medium-to-heavy volume scanning