Zebra DS2208 vs DS2278: corded or cordless scanner?
The DS2208 and DS2278 share the same imager, read the same 1D and 2D bar codes at the same distances, and use the same settings. The difference is the cable. Choose the DS2208 for a fixed till or desk where the scanner never has to leave the counter. Choose the DS2278 when staff need to scan away from the PC, or when the scanner should connect to a tablet or phone by Bluetooth.
| DS2208 | DS2278 | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Cable: USB, RS-232, keyboard wedge or IBM 46XX | Bluetooth 4.0 with BLE to the CR2278 cradle, which connects by cable; or directly to a PC, tablet or phone |
| Wireless range | Cable length | At least 10 m; up to 100 m with the CR2278 (open air, line of sight) |
| Base | Optional Gooseneck Intellistand | CR2278 presentation cradle: charger, radio receiver and stand |
| Battery | None needed | 2,400 mAh Li-Ion |
| Scans per charge | Not applicable | 110,000 at 60 scans per minute, or 50,000 at 10 per minute |
| Operating time per charge | Not applicable | 84 hours (Zebra test profile) |
| Full charge from empty | Not applicable | About 5 h from a BC 1.2 USB port or 5 V supply; up to 17 h from a standard USB port |
| Size (H × W × D) | 16.5 × 6.6 × 9.9 cm | 17.5 × 6.6 × 9.0 cm; cradle 7.2 × 9.4 × 12.2 cm |
| Weight | 161.6 g | 214 g; cradle 151 g |
| Imager | 640 × 480 pixels, 1D and 2D including QR | Same |
| Read range, 13 mil EAN/UPC | 1.27–36.8 cm | Same |
| Sealing | IP52 | Same |
| Drop | Multiple 1.5 m drops to concrete | Same |
| Tumble | 250 tumbles of 0.5 m | Same |
| Operating temperature | 0–50 °C | 0–50 °C; cradle 0–40 °C |
| Keyboard layouts | Over 90 international keyboards | Same |
| Zebra warranty | 60 months | 36 months; cradle 36 months; battery 12 months |
Figures from Zebra's DS2200 Series spec sheet. Battery and range figures depend on use and surroundings.
Choose the DS2208 if
- The scanner stays at one till, desk or packing bench
- Items come to the scanner, not the other way round
- You want no battery to charge or replace
- You want the longer five-year Zebra warranty
Choose the DS2278 if
- Staff scan bulky items in a trolley, on a pallet or on a shelf
- You want no cable across the counter
- The scanner should work with a tablet or phone by Bluetooth
- Scans must continue briefly out of range, using batch mode
What both scanners share
Both use the same programming bar codes for the settings they share, so these guides work the same way on both: Enter and Tab after a scan, keyboard layout and troubleshooting. Only the page numbers in the DS2208 and DS2278 Product Reference Guides differ.
Both switch to hands-free scanning by themselves when you place them in their stand or cradle, and both are configured with Zebra's free 123Scan utility. Both come in Nova White and Twilight Black.
Video: Zebra Technologies
What to know about the DS2278 cradle
The CR2278 cradle charges the scanner, receives its Bluetooth data and passes it to the PC by cable. It pairs with one scanner at a time, and Zebra states that the DS2278 works with no other cradle. The cradle has no power jack of its own: it runs on power from the host cable, or from an external supply on cables that support one. Zebra recommends the external supply for the fastest charging.
Setup for both models is in our DS2208 and DS2278 setup guide. Compare them in our shop: DS2208 and DS2278.
Frequently asked questions
Does the DS2278 scan better than the DS2208?
No. Both use the same 640 × 480 imager and Zebra quotes the same read ranges. The DS2278 adds Bluetooth and a battery.
Can the DS2278 work without its cradle?
Yes. It can pair directly with a PC, tablet or phone as a Bluetooth keyboard. You still need the cradle or a micro USB cable to charge it.
How long does the DS2278 battery last?
Zebra quotes 84 hours per charge in its test profile, or 50,000 scans at 10 scans per minute.
Are the DS2208 and DS2278 waterproof?
No. Both are rated IP52, which means protection against dust and dripping water, not immersion.
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