Flatbed scanners such as this are found at virtually every supermarket. These scanners work great with the MoBeam nümi key. More info.
Laser scanners rapidly sweeps a laser light right and left across a barcode. A sensor reads the reflection of each bar (and its accompanying white space) as a string. Because the scanner moves so rapidly (thousands of times per second), barcoded items can be scanned while moving across the scanner. Because the laser light is so bright, barcodes can be printed wider and read from a greater distance.
Handheld laser scanners project a sharp red line. These scanners work great with the MoBeam nümi key. More info.
Laser scanners rapidly sweeps a laser light right and left across a barcode. A sensor reads the reflection of each bar (and its accompanying white space) as a string. Because the scanner moves so rapidly (thousands of times per second), barcoded items can be scanned while moving across the scanner. Because the laser light is so bright, barcodes can be printed wider and read from a greater distance.
 Handheld laser scanners project a blurry red "blob" or line. These scanners currently do not work with the MoBeam nümi key. More info.
A charge coupled device (CCD) bar code scanner uses an array of lights to illuminate the barcode. The CCD captures the reflected light all at once, like a camera taking a picture. The barcoded item must be stationary to be read by a CCD scanner, and are most commonly found in stores where there are, on average, fewer items per transaction. In addition, items must be within very close range for the CCD scanner to be effective.