Nathan Aubrey wrote:
> I am looking for a handheld scanner that works in linux. I have a catalog 
> system with barcodes and I want to be able to scan the barcode and have the 
> computer read the number associated with it. Does anyone use anything like 
> this?
> 
> Any help appreciated!

Many bar code scanners for computers that I know about simply emulate a
keyboard input.  You scan the bar code and the scanner "types" the
numbers into the computer.  The first ones that could do this connected
in-line on the PS/2 keyboard cable.  (You plug the keyboard into the
scanner cable and the scanner cable into the computer keyboard port.)
These are called "keyboard wedge" since they are "wedged" between the
computer and the keyboard.  Some USB scanners do this by emulating a USB
keyboard.  The advantage with a keyboard wedge scanner is that there are
(or should be) no drivers to install which would make them universally
Linux compatible.

The CueCat that Matt mentioned was a great thing.  It was a keyboard
wedge scanner but it encrypted the keystrokes so that you had to use
their software which tracked you.  Of course, simple hardware hacks were
devised to by pass the encryption in the cat shaped wand.  They then
typed straight ASCII!  I have one of those wands in my storage boxes
somewhere.  I think it's already modified too.  I'll look for it this
weekend.  If I find it, you can have it.  We'll just have to get it to
you up in those pines.

A Google search of "bar code scanner" provides oodles of hits.  The
average low price seems to be around $70-80 at quick glance.  Any
keyboard one should just work.

Alan