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Inateck P8 Bluetooth Barcode Scanner: features, specs and who it suits
A wireless handheld 1D and 2D barcode scanner with a 1.4-inch touchscreen, dual CMOS and CCD modules and a charging base that doubles as the adapter.
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The Inateck P8 (model Pro 8-BK) is a wireless handheld barcode scanner that reads both traditional 1D barcodes and 2D codes such as QR codes. It is built for counters, stockrooms and small warehouses, where staff need to scan items without being tied to a cable. What sets it apart is a small touchscreen on the scanner itself and a charging base that also acts as the wireless adapter.
Two scanning modules, one scanner
Inateck says the P8 uses a CMOS and CCD dual-module design. In general, a CCD module is well suited to reading long 1D barcodes across a wide span, while a CMOS imager is what lets a scanner read 2D codes and very fine, high-density symbols. Combining both is meant to cover the full range of codes a business meets.
Inateck says the scanner handles almost all common 1D, 2D and QR codes, on paper or on a screen, and can read codes that are blurry, damaged, dirty or distorted, in bright or dim light. It also says the P8 reads long Code 128 barcodes of up to 99 bytes, about 316 mm across. As with any scanner, results depend on print quality, the surface and the lighting, so it's worth trying your own labels.
The 1.4-inch touchscreen
Most handheld scanners are configured by scanning setup barcodes from a manual. The P8 instead has a 1.4-inch touchscreen, which Inateck says lets you change the language, volume and connection method much as you would on a phone. The screen also shows scan status, battery level, the time, the barcode information and the barcode count. The interface supports German and English.
A running count can be handy for stock-taking and receiving goods, since you can see how many items you have scanned without looking at the computer.
Range and connection options
The P8 can connect over Bluetooth or through a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter. Inateck gives the transmission distance as up to 40 m over Bluetooth and up to 100 m through the 2.4G adapter. Those are the brand's figures for open space; walls, shelving and metal racks typically cut the real distance.
The 2.4G option is often the more convenient one for a fixed workstation, because the adapter is already in the charging base and there is nothing to pair by hand. Bluetooth suits tablets and phones that can't take an adapter.
The smart base and battery
The arched charging base serves two roles: it charges the scanner, and it works as the wireless adapter that passes scan data to the computer. Inateck says a full charge lasts up to two days of work. In practice, battery life depends on how many scans you make and how the scanner is connected, so treat the figure as a guide.
The scanner weighs about 1.1 lb (around 500 g) and measures roughly 3.9 x 3.0 x 7.3 in (10 x 7.6 x 18.5 cm). The listing also mentions support for an app SDK, which is aimed at businesses that want to link the scanner to their own software.
Who it suits
It suits small shops, offices, workshops and stockrooms that scan a mix of printed labels and codes on phone screens, and anyone who wants to see scan feedback on the device rather than only on a computer. People who only scan the occasional parcel label may not need this level of detail.
What to check before you buy
- Your codes: confirm the barcode types you use are supported, and scan a few of your real labels if you can.
- Connection: check which operating system and software you use and whether it accepts a 2.4G adapter or Bluetooth input from a scanner.
- Range: think about how far you will be from the base, and what sits in between.
- Battery routine: decide where the base will live so the scanner is docked at the end of each shift.
- Software: if you plan to use the SDK, check what it supports and whether your developer can work with it.
- What's in the box: confirm the scanner, base and cable are included.
The short version
- A wireless handheld scanner for 1D, 2D and QR codes, using CMOS and CCD dual modules.
- A 1.4-inch touchscreen shows settings, battery, time and scan count, in German or English.
- Up to 40 m by Bluetooth or 100 m through the 2.4G adapter, according to Inateck.
- The charging base doubles as the wireless adapter; Inateck quotes up to two days per charge.
- Supports an app SDK for custom software.
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