CipherLab A1204SFBKU001 vs CipherLab A2200NBUN0001: Specification Comparison
Both the CipherLab A1204SFBKU001 and A2200NBUN0001 are corded USB, handheld, presentation-mode 2D barcode scanners from the same manufacturer. Each ships as a USB kit and reads both 1D and 2D symbologies via an area imager. They occupy the same product class and a buyer selecting a desktop or countertop 2D USB scanner would realistically cross-shop them, making a direct specification comparison appropriate and meaningful.
In This Guide
- Which scanner delivers broader symbology coverage and what scan performance does each specify?
- How do the two scanners compare on ingress protection, drop durability, and environmental operating range?
- What connectivity, physical footprint, and accessory ecosystem does each scanner support?
- Which should you choose: the A1204SFBKU001 or the A2200NBUN0001?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which scanner delivers broader symbology coverage and what scan performance does each specify?
The A1204SFBKU001 specifies a scan rate of 60 scans per second and documents angular tolerance of ±65° pitch and ±65° skew, giving installers concrete motion-tolerance figures. Its 1D symbology list is extensive: Codabar, Code 11, Code 39, Code 32, Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, Code 93, Code 128, GS1-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, GS1 DataBar, RSS14, GS1 DataBar Limited, and GS1 DataBar Expanded. Its 2D capability is confirmed by the area imager engine description, though specific 2D symbology variants are not individually enumerated in the provided specs.
The A2200NBUN0001 enumerates its 2D symbologies explicitly: PDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code, Aztec, and MaxiCode — plus Micro QR Code, MicroPDF417, HanXin, and Composite Codes. Its 1D list adds ISBT-128, Italian Pharmacode, French Pharmacode, MSI, Plessey, Telepen, and Chinese25 beyond what the A1204 specifies. No scan rate (scans/second) figure is provided for the A2200NBUN0001 in the supplied specifications. Minimum print contrast is specified only for the A1204SFBKU001 at 25%; no equivalent figure is given for the A2200NBUN0001.
How do the two scanners compare on ingress protection, drop durability, and environmental operating range?
Both scanners share the same drop specification: 1.5 m (approximately 4.9–4.92 ft) onto concrete. This is an identical mechanical durability rating and represents a meaningful shared baseline for light-industrial or retail counter environments.
IP rating is where the two diverge. The A1204SFBKU001 carries an IP42 rating, which the specs describe as providing resistance to light dust and moisture. The A2200NBUN0001 is rated IP52, offering a higher level of dust protection (limited ingress of dust) while maintaining the same liquid protection tier. For environments with elevated particulate matter — packaging lines, warehouses, or manufacturing floors — the IP52 of the A2200NBUN0001 provides a measurable advantage. Storage temperature is specified only for the A2200NBUN0001 at -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F); no storage temperature range is provided for the A1204SFBKU001. Operating temperature for either unit is not stated in the provided specifications.
What connectivity, physical footprint, and accessory ecosystem does each scanner support?
Both scanners connect via USB and operate in presentation (hands-free, trigger-free) mode. The A1204SFBKU001 explicitly lists compatible accessories in the provided specs: a USB cable, an adjustable stand, and a Communication/Charging Cradle 2, which are relevant for fixed-mount POS or workstation deployments. No accessory list is provided for the A2200NBUN0001 in the supplied specifications.
Physical dimensions are specified only for the A2200NBUN0001: 83 × 80 × 150 mm (3.3 × 3.2 × 5.9 in), weighing 320 g / 11 oz (an alternate weight of 380 g / 13 oz is also listed, likely with cable). No dimensions or weight are provided for the A1204SFBKU001. Input voltage is documented only for the A2200NBUN0001 at 5 V, 2 A max; the A1204SFBKU001 provides no voltage spec. Warranty differs: the A1204SFBKU001 carries a 3-year warranty versus the A2200NBUN0001's 2-year warranty.
Which should you choose: the A1204SFBKU001 or the A2200NBUN0001?
Our take: The A1204SFBKU001 is the stronger choice when warranty coverage, a documented scan rate, and a known accessory ecosystem — including a cradle — are priorities for a retail or light-duty counter deployment. It specifies 60 scans/second and ±65° angular tolerance (no equivalent figures exist for the A2200NBUN0001 in the provided specs), carries a 3-year warranty versus the A2200NBUN0001's 2-year term, and lists compatible stands and cradles. The A2200NBUN0001 is the stronger choice when symbology breadth or a dustier operating environment matters: its IP52 rating exceeds the A1204's IP42, and it explicitly supports ISBT-128, Pharmacode (Italian and French), Aztec, MaxiCode, HanXin, and Composite Codes not confirmed for the A1204. Both share a 1.5 m drop rating. Buyers in healthcare, postal, or industrial settings requiring those extended symbologies and higher dust ingress protection should favor the A2200NBUN0001; standard retail or warehouse counter scanning with cradle integration favors the A1204SFBKU001.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | CipherLab A1204SFBKU001 | CipherLab A2200NBUN0001 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | 2D Barcode Scanner | 2D Barcode Scanner |
| Form Factor | Handheld | Handheld |
| Scan Engine | 2D Area Imager (1D & 2D) | 2D Area Imager (1D & 2D) |
| Operation Mode | Presentation (hands-free) | Presentation (hands-free) |
| Connectivity | USB wired | USB wired |
| IP Rating | IP42 | IP52 |
| Drop Specification | 1.5 m (4.92 ft) onto concrete | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) multiple drops onto concrete |
| Scan Rate | 60 scans/second | — |
| Angular Tolerance | ±65° pitch and skew | — |
| Min Print Contrast | 25% | — |
| 2D Symbologies (explicit) | — | PDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code, Aztec, MaxiCode, Micro QR, MicroPDF417, HanXin, Composite |
| Specialty 1D Symbologies | GS1 DataBar variants, Code 32 | ISBT-128, Italian Pharmacode, French Pharmacode, MSI, Plessey, Telepen, Chinese25 |
| Dimensions | — | 83 x 80 x 150 mm / 3.3 x 3.2 x 5.9 in |
| Weight | — | 320 g / 11 oz (380 g / 13 oz with cable) |
| Input Voltage | — | 5V 2A Max |
| Storage Temperature | — | -40°C to 60°C / -40°F to 140°F |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Listed Accessories | USB cable, adjustable stand, cradle | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A1204SFBKU001 or the A2200NBUN0001?
The A1204SFBKU001 is the stronger choice when warranty coverage, a documented scan rate, and a known accessory ecosystem — including a cradle — are priorities for a retail or light-duty counter deployment. It specifies 60 scans/second and ±65° angular tolerance (no equivalent figures exist for the A2200NBUN0001 in the provided specs), carries a 3-year warranty versus the A2200NBUN0001's 2-year term, and lists compatible stands and cradles. The A2200NBUN0001 is the stronger choice when symbology breadth or a dustier operating environment matters: its IP52 rating exceeds the A1204's IP42, and it explicitly supports ISBT-128, Pharmacode (Italian and French), Aztec, MaxiCode, HanXin, and Composite Codes not confirmed for the A1204. Both share a 1.5 m drop rating. Buyers in healthcare, postal, or industrial settings requiring those extended symbologies and higher dust ingress protection should favor the A2200NBUN0001; standard retail or warehouse counter scanning with cradle integration favors the A1204SFBKU001.
Is the A1204SFBKU001 or A2200NBUN0001 better for a dusty warehouse or manufacturing environment?
Based on the provided specifications, the A2200NBUN0001 is better suited for dusty environments. It carries an IP52 rating, which provides a higher level of dust ingress protection than the A1204SFBKU001's IP42. Both units share the same 1.5 m drop specification, so mechanical drop durability is equivalent.
Does either scanner support healthcare or postal barcodes like ISBT-128 or Pharmacode?
Yes — but only the A2200NBUN0001 lists ISBT-128, Italian Pharmacode, and French Pharmacode in its specified 1D symbology set. These symbologies are not enumerated in the A1204SFBKU001's provided specifications. If those symbologies are required for your workflow, the A2200NBUN0001 is the unit confirmed to support them.
Which scanner has the longer warranty, and does either include a desktop stand or cradle?
The A1204SFBKU001 carries a 3-year warranty; the A2200NBUN0001 carries a 2-year warranty. Compatible accessories — including an adjustable stand and a Communication/Charging Cradle 2 — are listed in the provided specifications for the A1204SFBKU001 only. No accessory list is provided in the supplied specs for the A2200NBUN0001.
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