For decades, Barcode technology has been the go-to choice for retail and supply chain businesses. Whether it is retail merchandise or a delivery consignment, it is easy to find a barcode label attached to it or a 1D/2D barcode directly printed on the package itself. You might have also seen the retail staff scanning the barcode during checkout using a handheld or fixed barcode scanner. Barcode scanners use LED/laser-based green or red illumination technology to read the 1D/2D barcodes and the data is automatically reflected on the software system integrated with the scanner.
Technologically barcoding became part of the retail industry in the 1970s when the first barcode was scanned using a barcode scanner in a retail store in Ohio, USA. Since then, barcodes have become an integral part of not only retail but supply chain and logistics, manufacturing, shipping, and mail as well.
The Zebra DS2200 series and DS4600 series handheld barcode scanners are cutting-edge tools designed to streamline data capture and enhance operational efficiency in retail, manufacturing, and healthcare environments. Although there are various handheld barcode scanners available in the market, purchasing Zebra barcode scanners provides great efficiency and advantages. These scanners offer a range of models with diverse specifications, catering to the unique needs of different industries.
Let’s explore the technical aspects of both series and how the Zebra DS2208 and Zebra DS4608 barcode scanners compare.
The Zebra DS2200 series and DS4600 Series barcode scanners
Zebra DS2200 Series
The Zebra DS2200 series is a versatile and cost-effective lineup of barcode scanners, ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. There are two primary models in this series, the DS2208 and the DS2278, both of which are designed to deliver exceptional performance and durability in various business applications including retail, mail, and shipping. Using the Zebra app development tool, you can configure and update the firmware in the DS2200 series, simply using a tablet. Additionally, you can also control the beeper, symbology settings, LED, etc. as well.
The DS2208 is a 1D/2D handheld barcode scanner offering best-in-class scanning performance on 1D/2D barcodes. Its lightweight and ergonomic design makes it comfortable for extended use. The DS2208 is capable of capturing barcodes on both paper labels and electronic screens, enhancing its versatility in various application scenarios.
Key Specifications of the Zebra DS2208 Barcode Scanner
1.Scanning Capability: 1D, 2D
2. Connectivity/communication protocol: USB, RS-232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
3. Scanning Range: Standard Range (SR), High Density (HD)
4. Drop Specification: Withstands multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete
5. IP Sealing: 52
6. Image Sensor: 640 x 480 Pixels
7. Decode Capability: Reads all common 1D and 2D barcodes
8. Warranty: 5 years for the scanner
Zebra DS2278 Cordless Barcode Scanner
The DS2278 is a cordless Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanner, offering the same exceptional scanning capabilities as the DS2208 with the added flexibility of wireless connectivity. The DS2278 is particularly well-suited for retail point-of-sale (POS) environments, allowing for seamless and efficient scanning of barcodes without the constraints of a cable.
Key Specifications of the Zebra DS2278 Cordless Barcode Scanner
1.Scanning Capability: 1D, 2D barcode scanning
2. Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
3. Scanning Range: Standard Range (SR), High Density (HD)
4. Battery Life: 14 hours (typical use)
5. IP Sealing: 52
6. Image Sensor: 640 x 480 Pixels
7. Drop Specification: Tested for multiple 5 ft./1.5 m drops to concrete
8. Decode Capability: All 1D and 2D barcodes
9. Warranty: 3 years for the scanner, 3 years for the cradle, 1 year for the battery.
Zebra DS4600 Series
The Zebra DS4600 series represents a more advanced and robust lineup of barcode scanners in comparison to the Zebra DS2200 series, catering to the needs of high-volume retail, warehouse, and manufacturing operations. The DS4600 series consists of three models, the Zebra DS4608, the Zebra DS4608-DPE, and the Zebra DS4608-HC, three of which are engineered to deliver superior scanning performance and rugged durability.
The DS4608 is a 2D handheld barcode scanner designed to excel in demanding retail environments. It offers unparalleled scanning speed and accuracy, making it well-suited for high-throughput applications. The DS4608 is capable of scanning a wide range of 1D and 2D barcodes, ensuring compatibility with diverse barcode symbologies and it also comes with EAS tag deactivation.
Key Specifications of the Zebra DS4608 Barcode Scanner
1.Scanning Capability: 1D, 2D barcodes
2. Connectivity/communication Protocol :USB, RS-232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
3. Scanning Range: Standard Range (SR)
4. IP Sealing: 52
5. Image Sensor: 1280 x 800 Pixels
6. Drop Specification: Withstands multiple 6 ft./1.8 m drops to concrete
7. Decode Capability: Reads all common 1D and 2D barcodes
8. Warranty: 5 years
Zebra DS4608-DPE Barcode Scanner
The DS4608-HD is a specialized high-density 2D handheld barcode scanner, optimized for scanning small and dense barcodes commonly found in electronics manufacturing and automotive parts tracking. This model offers the same robust performance as the DS4608 with enhanced precision for high-density barcodes.
Key Specifications of the Zebra DS4608-DPE Barcode Scanner
1. Scanning Capability: 1D, 2D
2. Connectivity/communication Protocol: USB, RS-232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
3. Scanning Range: High Density (HD)
4. IP Sealing: 52
5. Image Sensor: 1280 x 800 Pixels
6. Drop Specification: Withstands multiple 6 ft./1.8 m drops to concrete
7. Decode Capability: Reads all common 1D and 2D barcodes, including high-density codes
8. Warranty: 5 years
Zebra DS4608-HC Barcode Scanner
The Zebra DS4608-HC is a specialized high-density 2D handheld barcode scanner, optimized for scanning small and dense barcodes commonly found in healthcare settings. The 800Hz microprocessor and high-megapixel imager allow pharmacists to easily scan barcode images on healthcare supplies.
Key Specifications of the Zebra DS4608-HC Barcode Scanner
1.Scanning Capability: 1D, 2D
2. Connectivity/communication Protocol: USB, RS-232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
3. Scanning Range: High Density (HD)
4. IP Sealing: 52
5. Image Sensor: 1280 x 800 Pixels
6. Drop Specification: Withstands multiple 6 ft./1.8 m drops to concrete
7. Decode Capability: Reads all common 1D and 2D barcodes
8. Warranty: 5 years
Zebra DS2208 vs Zebra DS4608 Barcode Scanner
When comparing the DS2200 series and the DS4600 series, several key differences and considerations come to light. The DS2200 series is tailored for smaller businesses and environments where cordless operation is not a necessity, offering reliable 1D/2D scanning performance with the option of corded or cordless connectivity. On the other hand, the DS460 series barcode scanners are designed for retail, manufacturing, electronics, and healthcare settings, capable of scanning high-density barcodes. It features a high resolution imager of 1280 x 800 pixels whereas the DS2208 features an imager of resolution 640 x 480 pixels.
Apart from that, the Zebra DS2208 handheld scanner is a cost-effective corded barcode scanner, suitable for low-volume scanning in retail where barcodes are most clear and undamaged while the Zebra DS4608 is a high-end barcode scanner suitable for retail POS, inventory, manufacturing, and healthcare settings. The cost of DS4608 is also on the higher side than the DS2208 barcode scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions on Zebra DS2200 Series and DS4600 Series Barcode Scanners
1.What is the difference between Zebra DS4608 SR and DS4608 HD?
The Zebra DS4608-SR barcode scanner is designed for retail operations while the Zebra DS4608 HD scanner is designed for manufacturing and other high-density barcode scanning.
2. How fast can zebra DS2208 scan?
The Zebra DS2208 barcode scanners are very efficient, allowing for high-volume scanning with 110,000 scans at the speed of 60 scans per minute and 50,000 at the speed of 10 scans per minute.
3. What is a Zebra scanner?
A Zebra barcode scanner is a device designed and manufactured by Zebra Technologies, a USA-based AIDC Company. These scanners are quite efficient and offer the industry best performance in comparison to barcode scanners by other brands.
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