Need a cheap wifi device for scanning upcs / checking ebay, half, and amazon

slowdive21

slowdive21

CAGiversary!
Feedback
8 (100%)
Hey everyone,

I am looking for a cheap handheld device to occasionally look stuff up while I am at thrifts stores or garage sales. If anyone has one that they like I would appreciate a recommendation.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
[quote name='pacifickarma']Don't most people use their phone to scan UPCs?[/QUOTE]

I don't have a smartphone either. ;) I just use tmobile prepaid for $100/year because I rarely use my mobile phone.
 
Yeah, you'll definitely want a smart phone for this.

See how much TMobile would charge for a data plan, you can see about getting a smart phone on eBay or Craigslist or something.
 
i think the latest ipod touch would do the job. i'm sure you can find an ipod touch4 8gb for $100 on craigslist.
 
[quote name='dts5000']i think the latest ipod touch would do the job. i'm sure you can find an ipod touch4 8gb for $100 on craigslist.[/QUOTE]

What OP wants to do would require an internet connection. There's no scanning device that can give prices/info without accessing some database... otherwise, the device itself would have to contain data about every single item ever made that has a barcode.

Even if he tried to use an iPod, he'd need wifi for it to work.

LOL Just realized that he asked for a wifi device... not wireless device. I can't read.

[quote name='Poor2More']What Android app would you guys recommend for scanning UPC's?[/QUOTE]

Red Laser makes the best scanning software but most apps that makes use of scanning capabilities already has Red Laser built in. The quality of your camera will play a bigger role in how good a scanner is than any app. As for checking prices, I just use Amazon and eBay apps.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ebay has a scan button on their app. Just use that and it pulls up all auctions on the scanned item. then refine the search to completed auctions to find actual sold prices.
 
I would second the iPod touch recommendation, unlike the laughably overpriced iPhones they can be had for very cheap if you wait for a good deal on CL. I used my 2nd-gen iPod touch + free public wifi from my ISP (Optimum) for this kind of thing until I got a 4G plan. Although if you do get an iPod make sure it's a model with a camera, mine didn't have one.
 
[quote name='N3UROP0D']I would second the iPod touch recommendation, unlike the laughably overpriced iPhones they can be had for very cheap if you wait for a good deal on CL. I used my 2nd-gen iPod touch + free public wifi from my ISP (Optimum) for this kind of thing until I got a 4G plan. Although if you do get an iPod make sure it's a model with a camera, mine didn't have one.[/QUOTE]

I guess the ipod is probably the best option. I was thinking about buying a cheap tablet (like $100-$125) that has a camera and wifi, but I know nothing about them. I guess I really don't know much about ipods either. I basically know nothing about tech that came out in the past 10 years. It embarrassing to say that, but it is true.
 
But if you're at a store, you can't scan unless you're using wifi (using the iPod Touch).

That means two things- either you get a portable wifi hotspot (I'd recommend Clear.com as the best deal), or you only shop at places with wifi.

OR, you'll need a smartphone, which will use 3G or whatever to access the internet.
 
Basically I am too cheap to pay for a data plan or a hotspot. Unless there is a data plan that is $10 or less per month, I am going to be looking for wifi only. I only occasionally need this for reference and I know one of the stores I shop at has a usable wifi signal that can be picked up in store.
 
Well, the thing I like about Clear is you're (probably) paying for home internet already. So if you get their mobile hotspot, you just take it with you when you need it.

Only thing is the plan is slightly more expensive. I'm getting Comcast for $25 a month, and I think renting my cable box is like $7 a month(?). Clear, you're getting the box for $25, and the service is $35 a month... but you can take the box wherever you go.

IMO, that's not a lot more for the added portability. I've been considering it myself, because I don't need my home to be connected to the internet when I'm not around, and I have a wifi-only tablet, and might be getting a phone which benefits from wifi.

Another bonus in Clear's category is no usage limit; other wireless companies meter your usage.
 
I would get the iPod touch, I have one and it is great for this purpose. However it does not work with all public wifi hotspots and requires a bit of tweaking of the wifi settings to get it to recognize some hotspots.

Hotspots that have like "home" or a word in their settings will not work, especially if its in the DNS part. If the DNS settings of the hotspot have 2 addresses, it will not work. You can fix this by inputting google's DNS server into the settings for that specific hotspot. This will all become very clear once you get a touch. If you have a problem cause the hotspot has 2 addresses in there, just delete one of them and it should work. Or input google's DNS address into the field.

It works well with the at&t hotspots found in Sam's club, Pac Sun, Sephora, Starbucks McDonalds, etc...
 
OK, so I stil haven't bought anything. I am thinking a galaxy tab 2 for $179.99. Anyone have any experience using the tab with scanning software? Basically I want to snap a pic and get amazon pricing for stuff.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']OK, so I stil haven't bought anything. I am thinking a galaxy tab 2 for $179.99. Anyone have any experience using the tab with scanning software? Basically I want to snap a pic and get amazon pricing for stuff.[/QUOTE]

It's a great deal for that tablet absolutely love this one and plan on picking up another one. Go into Best Buy and give it a try.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top