Symcode Bluetooth Wireless Barcode Scanner with Au

Capable
Superficially very similar in styling to others of their barcode scanners, this “USB Wireless Barcode Scanner,Symcode Handheld Laser Barcode Reader (2.4GHz Wireless & USB2.0 Wired) with Receiver Storage of up to 10000 Code” needs a WiFi connection, usually a one-time only procedure unless used on multiple networks. The various models differ most obviously by colour accents. There is no Bluetooth or other connection choice which greatly simplifies its use as pairing and other such methods which can occasionally fail are avoided. It has a power switch to the rear and the operating trigger is at the front, under the forefinger.It is powered by a lithium battery within the handle that is claimed to provide a full month’s service per charge and equivalent to around 180,000 individual scans although spare batteries are readily available should they be needed; one could be stored fully-charged as a possible stand-by or for when the original is externally re-charged. However to attain full storage capacity, the battery will need a few (usually about 5 or 6) recharge cycles from flat, not top-ups, until which time it may offer fewer scans per charge and a shorter period of use. Used six days a week, it could eventually cope with around 6000 scans daily, but few will ever need that many. It can also store 5000 scans internally. A mini-USB cable is included for charging but a cradle is not; one is separately available if required for POS or similar situations.The package includes a USB WiFi receiver that Inateck suggests MUST be used regardless of whether or not the PC or other device to which it is be be connected is otherwise WiFi enabled. Because it is WiFi-connected, it can potentially partner any device using any operating system including Windows, Mac, most tablets and smartphones and also Raspberry Pi but, as it has no means by which a router’s identity, passcode etc can be entered and stored, it is assumed that it uses its own internal Network. Connecting the receiver to some devices may therefore present an issue.This barcode reader could serve in retail, POS, dispatch, stock control and various other roles in commerce or otherwise as well as some ‘library’ situations involving books, optical media, vinyl records, perhaps even toys and games. It will function with a variety of software that offers a barcode scan function unless that software is ‘tied’ to a specific scanner or brand. It will recognise numerous standard formats, QR codes specifically excluded, but includes those of FedEx, UPS and ChinaPost. Currently, there is no means by which additional dedicated barcode formats could be added other than possibly at a later date via firmware. Codes must be printed on paper, plastic or metal but those displayed on-screen will not be recognised. There is an extensive manual packaged with the product that is printed in good English, avoiding the pitfalls of ‘Chinglish’, and which includes an extensive series of barcodes that need be scanned to set specific features and options, including language, volume, etc.It is a very capable and workable product that is easy to use provided that the WiFi receiver can be inserted into a usable port – a Thunderport or USB-C to USB adapter or an OTG cable may be needed in some instances – and should provide service well into the future. It is advisable to keep the manual safe and handy in the event that a setting may need to be later changed or to better serve different uses or varying requirements. It is quite affordable relative to some used in the past that were less capable while considerably more expensive.It was noted during the later stages of writing of this review that there is a firmware update (not all will need it if the date of manufacture is very recent) that exists as a .BIN file on Symcode’s Support page but without any accompanying usage instructions. If there were a relevant page within the manual or a separate Instructions sheet that would be of little consequence but neither exists! That oversight has resulted in the loss of a * in the rating assessment despite the existence of a BootLoader.RAR package (apparently Windows only) that, once unpacked, checks the scanner’s firmware and later updates it when necessary but which is also undocumented, thus losing a second *. As best known, it does not download the update which may need to be located and downloaded in advance; that currently available is more than 2 years old! There was an inclination to deduct yet a further * from the rating due to the lack of general clarity within its manual and obviously unresolved questions that remain, but a *** rating is deemed to accurately reflect the product and its documentation.

Good for small businesses
Works good! like the Bluetooth feature, pretty good quality for the price scans barcodes well, and keeps charge for a good amount of time As it enters sleep mode when not in use.

Not well made. Never worked right and now not at all.
I bought two of these for use at my library and have tried for the past two months to get them to scan consistently. The manual that came with them weren’t for the model I bought, so we had to look for the correct one. We tried canceling and resetting the settings but it still doesn’t work. Now neither one will scan at all; not UPCs, not library barcodes, nothing. The company did send me a different QR code for cancelling the preceding letter C from the barcode but since they don’t work, I can’t test it. My return window unfortunately closed before I gave up on both so I’m stuck with no scanners having spent the money based on reviews I read. Please do not buy this product.

Great device easy to setup
I am happy for the wireless capability. I previous owned a wired device. It was easy to set up and connected with my square point of sale with ease. great price and quality

Saw the main image and assumed it came with the stand in the photo. It does not, this to me is false advertising as most other ones on amazon that include the stand in the photo do in fact come with the stand.