Oldest barcode device contest: See some of the entries

Remember the oldest barcode device contest sponsored by Ryzex and PsionTeklogix? The contest site shows entries so far.

August 26, 2009

Remember the oldest barcode device contest sponsored by Ryzex and PsionTeklogix? The contest site shows contest entries so far. The contest is about half over, organizers say, in the quest to find the oldest barcode device by the Sept. 22, 2009, deadline.

Organizers say contest winner will receive choice of a new Psion Teklogix Ikon, Neo or Workabout Pro handheld mobile computer.

"The Big Upgrade" shows barcode devices from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s (sampling at right). Entries include an Intermec 9210 bar code decoderfrom the late 1970s and the Norrand RT 1700 scanner from 1997, bothstill working, owners say.

The site contains additional entries,manufacturers, and estimated vintage, contest rules, and twolight-hearted videos that make the point that some upgrades are betterthan others.

Other key points amid the fun :

– A lifecycle management approach can provide maximum return on investment;

– Device recycling can save money while helping the environment; and

– Just because you can continue to repair a device does not mean that is the most cost-effective decision: do the math.

Read the contest announcement from MBT: Do you have the oldest working barcode device?

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, electronic products editor, MBT www.mbtmag.com