How to Select an RFID Handheld

There are many choices on the market and the more choices the harder it is to pick out the right device for your application and budget.

If you can't bring the asset to the reader like with a conveyor or a door portal processing, you have to bring the reader to the asset. Handheld readers are typically used for exception processing, asset tracking when asset is fixed, remote data collection, and in small scale installations. There are four main types of handheld readers:

1. Handheld Computers with RFID Capability – these devices have an onboard computer usually with Windows OS, display, keyboard and of course RFID antenna and reader. These devices are usually the most expensive, however, they pack the most functionality and usually can be custom configured with options based on your needs. For instance, you can add a 1D barcode scanner or 2D Imager, camera, Bluetooth communication, more memory and other options.
2. Sled Handheld Readers – sleds are becoming increasingly popular, because instead of having a built-in computer on board, they utilize a smart phone. They only house the RFID reader, antenna, handle with a trigger and connection to the smart phone. The smart phone runs an app and communicates with the sled reader and with the network over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Because of using smart phone, Android, iOS or Windows apps can be easily utilized. Sleds can also have variations including barcode scanning. This option is also more cost effective. Good examples of popular sleds are Zebra RFD8500 and TSL 1128. 
3. Bluetooth Handhelds – The third type (not really an official category) are small readers that are in form of a keyfob or strap on your hand or belt. They usually don’t have a display or maybe a very small LCD one, include RFID reader and antenna and communicate with your smart phone over a Bluetooth. These readers are perfect where space is an issue and users need small and light device. Such handhelds are usually the most cost effective, however, due to their small size, they usually have quite short read range and shorter battery life. Great examples are CAEN qID Mini Keyfob Reader and TSL 1153 (UHF).
4. RFID Handheld Snap-Ons – this is a category of add-on modules that can be plugged into existing non-RFID handheld computers. These are often HF and LF frequency, but there are some UHF as well. This is a good option, if you already have handheld computers on-site that you use and you can enable them with RFID for a relatively low cost instead of replacing them. The cost depends on whether the snap-on has its own battery therefore not draining the battery life of the handheld unit itself or whether it uses the handheld power.

Handheld Selection Criteria:

1. Frequency – based on your tags - LF, HF, UHF
2. Protocol – based on your tags - HF - 14443, 15693, NFC, Mifare, etc., UHF – Class 1 Gen 2
3. Regulatory compliance – depending on country of operations
4. Processing
   • Fully onboard
   • Sled – using a smart phone
   • Keyfob or Bluetooth reader – using a smartphone
5. Size
   • Larger – handheld computers, sleds, handheld snap-ons
   • Small – keyfobs, Bluetooth readers
6. Read Range
   • Longer – handheld computers, sleds
   • Shorter – snap-ons, keyfobs, Bluetooth readers
7. Keyboard – yes, no, how many keys, layout
8. Display – yes, no, how large, color or monochrome
9. Battery size and how many hours of operation
10. Charging convenience
    • AC Charger
    • Car charger
    • USB cable to computer or charger
    • Cradle – single unit, multiple unit
    • Separate battery charger
11. Network options – USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ActiveSync
12. Additional Options 
    • Barcode scanner – 1D Laser, 2D Imager
    • Extended life battery
    • Camera
    • Extended Memory
13. Light indicators – for charging, reading, error, off
14. Ruggedness – manufactures usually provide information on how many drops to concrete from how far the unit withstands (i.e. multiple 4 ft./1.2 m drops to concrete across the operating temperature range), tumble specifications (i.e. 500 1.64 ft./.5 m tumbles (1,000 drops) at room temperature), as well as IP rating and other parameters. 
15. Warranty – standard manufacturer’s warranty, options for extended warranty

Note: When ordering a handheld reader, review items that are included in the package, which differ by manufacturer and sometimes by the part number. For instance, sled readers do not automatically come with the holder for a smart phone as those are phone specific and must be ordered separately. No readers usually come with a cradle, although most will come with at least an USB or minimal charging cable and one battery.