Linea-Pro iPhone/iPod barcode scanner

[Gecko]

We're currently looking at deploying some new hardware into our warehouse facilities (running in-house applications, which are being re-written at the same time, so the platform used is largely irrelevant). Typically, we would look at the Motorola etc units, which are reasonably decent in a warehouse environment (think dust, drops, etc), but very pricey (prices start at $2k each).

I've seen the Linea-Pro scanners (see http://ipclineapro.com/ - basically a barcode scanner that clips to the bottom of an iPod/iPhone), which are a fair bit cheaper; one of them plus an iPod Touch 8GB is around $750. Has anyone used these in a warehouse / other less-than-perfect environment? From an API perspective, they look like they can do everything we need, I'm just concerned that the hardware may not be up to it.

I'm going to call the distro on Monday to try to get my hands on a demo unit, but real world experiences are much better than 20 minutes use in a showroom.

[Zoltag]

Originally Posted by Gecko

We're currently looking at deploying some new hardware into our warehouse facilities (running in-house applications, which are being re-written at the same time, so the platform used is largely irrelevant). Typically, we would look at the Motorola etc units, which are reasonably decent in a warehouse environment (think dust, drops, etc), but very pricey (prices start at $2k each).

I've seen the Linea-Pro scanners (see http://ipclineapro.com/ - basically a barcode scanner that clips to the bottom of an iPod/iPhone), which are a fair bit cheaper; one of them plus an iPod Touch 8GB is around $750. Has anyone used these in a warehouse / other less-than-perfect environment? From an API perspective, they look like they can do everything we need, I'm just concerned that the hardware may not be up to it.

I'm going to call the distro on Monday to try to get my hands on a demo unit, but real world experiences are much better than 20 minutes use in a showroom.

I havent used these particular devices, but I have seen people drop mobile phones onto warehouse floors - They typically dont survive the impact.

Also ask yourself how many broken iPhone screens you've seen. I would guess that roughly half of the people I know have broken screens on their iPhones (which are similar build quality to iPod Touch).

Before going down this route, I would recommend looking into whether you are able to get a really good quality rubber casing for them (or get custom ones made for a reasonable price). With the right sort of casing I would think they should be good for the job.

[Gecko]

Originally Posted by Zoltag

Before going down this route, I would recommend looking into whether you are able to get a really good quality rubber casing for them (or get custom ones made for a reasonable price). With the right sort of casing I would think they should be good for the job.

That's why I am specifically asking about these Linea Pro devices - they are a case themselves (think a case that has a barcode reader as well).

[domsmith]

Why not ask the sales staff at the apple store in the city, I believe that's what they use as their point of sales devices.

[rooney39]

I understand that you want to use the third party device but it is possible to use the iphones camera and scan barcodes that way. I have previously used addons to phonegap to scan barcodes in a store environment for auditing purposes. Have a look at the barcode addons to phonegap, plus there is a native Objective-C version as well.

[Gecko]

Originally Posted by rooney39

I understand that you want to use the third party device but it is possible to use the iphones camera and scan barcodes that way. I have previously used addons to phonegap to scan barcodes in a store environment for auditing purposes. Have a look at the barcode addons to phonegap, plus there is a native Objective-C version as well.

The phone camera method is far too slow. OK for scanning the occasional code, but we're talking hundreds of scans an hour - laser is the only way to go there.

I've had a chat to the distro and getting a demo unit shortly, I will post back once I've had a chance to have a good play with it.

[Gecko]

For anyone else who comes across this thread in future:

The Linea units are great - if the barcodes you are scanning are smallish (think EAN13 size), black on white and printed well. If the barcodes are anything less than perfect, getting it to decode them is difficult.

[Baker]

Originally Posted by Gecko

If the barcodes are anything less than perfect, getting it to decode them is difficult.

Thats a bit of a bugger, I was thinking of them as an asset tracking type system for maintenance tracking... but perfect barcodes are hard to find .

[Gecko]

Originally Posted by Baker

Thats a bit of a bugger, I was thinking of them as an asset tracking type system for maintenance tracking... but perfect barcodes are hard to find .

In a low-scan-rate environment, I think they would be perfect. It just takes a bit of moving them backwards and forwards before it decodes. In a medium-to-high rate environment though, they just aren't going to be able to keep up.