Star Micronics 37950920 vs Star Micronics 37950930: Specification Comparison
Both the Star Micronics 37950920 and 37950930 are wired handheld 2D barcode scanners targeting retail and light-warehouse environments. They share the same corded USB form factor, identical physical dimensions, the same 1D/2D scan engine class, and an overlapping symbology set. A buyer choosing between them is deciding between two units from the same manufacturer in the same device category — a legitimate cross-shop comparison within the corded 2D handheld class.
In This Guide
- Does either scanner offer a connectivity or interface advantage for your host system?
- Do the two scanners differ in what barcodes they can read?
- Are there any differences in physical build, environmental rating, or color options between the two?
- Which should you choose: the 37950920 or the 37950930?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Does either scanner offer a connectivity or interface advantage for your host system?
Both units list USB and RS-232 as supported interfaces in their structured specs, making legacy serial hosts a viable target for either. The 37950920's supplemental data specifies USB HID (keyboard emulation) as its USB mode, which means plug-and-play compatibility with POS terminals and computers without custom drivers. The 37950930's supplemental data confirms USB-powered operation with no separate adapter required, and its card bullets explicitly highlight 'USB and RS-232 dual connectivity for legacy and modern hosts.' Neither model's structured specs list Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any other wireless interface. For serial-heavy legacy environments, both are documented as RS-232 capable; for modern USB-only setups, both are confirmed wired USB devices. No spec distinguishes the two on interface count or protocol depth beyond what is stated above.
Do the two scanners differ in what barcodes they can read?
The structured symbology lists for both models are identical as provided: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN. The scan engine class is documented as 1D/2D for both. The 37950920's supplemental data describes the engine as a '2D Image Sensor (1D/2D barcode capability),' while the 37950930's supplemental data calls it a '2D Imager (1D + 2D).' These descriptions are functionally equivalent based on the provided specs; no additional symbologies or decoding capabilities are listed for either model that the other lacks. Buyers requiring specific symbologies beyond those listed — such as GS1 DataBar, Aztec, or MaxiCode — should consult the respective datasheets at the paths provided, as neither structured nor supplemental spec set addresses those codes.
Are there any differences in physical build, environmental rating, or color options between the two?
Physical dimensions are identical for both models: 5.75 in. wide × 4.06 in. high × 2.72 in. deep. IP rating is documented as IP42 for both, indicating protection against solid objects greater than 1 mm and dripping water — the same ingress protection class for each. Both structured spec sets list 'Black or White' as available color options. However, the 37950920's supplemental data specifies 'Black' as its finish, while the 37950930's supplemental data specifies 'White.' This suggests the two SKUs may represent the same scanner in different color variants rather than different hardware configurations — a distinction buyers should verify against the manufacturer datasheets. No drop-resistance rating, operating temperature range, or humidity tolerance is present in the provided specs for either unit.
Which should you choose: the 37950920 or the 37950930?
Our take: The 37950930 is the marginally more explicitly documented choice for dual-interface deployments, as its card bullets specifically call out USB and RS-232 dual connectivity for legacy and modern hosts — though the 37950920's structured specs also list both interfaces. Beyond that, the two scanners are spec-identical on every measurable dimension provided: identical dimensions (5.75 × 4.06 × 2.72 in.), identical IP42 rating, identical 1D/2D engine class, identical symbology list (QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN), identical 2-year warranty, and identical interface list. The primary documented difference is color finish: supplemental data shows the 37950920 in Black and the 37950930 in White. Buyers selecting between them should treat color as the determining factor unless the manufacturer datasheets at the provided PDF paths reveal hardware distinctions not captured in the specs supplied here.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Star Micronics 37950920 | Star Micronics 37950930 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type (per spec) | Label Printer (scanner device) | Label Printer (scanner device) |
| Form Factor | Handheld | Handheld |
| Scan Engine Class | 1D/2D Image Sensor | 1D/2D Imager |
| Symbologies — 2D | QR Code; Data Matrix; PDF417 | QR Code; Data Matrix; PDF417 |
| Symbologies — 1D | Code 128; Code 39; UPC; EAN | Code 128; Code 39; UPC; EAN |
| Interface | USB; RS-232 | USB; RS-232 |
| USB Mode (supplemental) | USB HID (Keyboard emulation) | USB-powered (no adapter) |
| IP Rating | IP42 | IP42 |
| Width | 5.75 in. | 5.75 in. |
| Height | 4.06 in. | 4.06 in. |
| Depth | 2.72 in. | 2.72 in. |
| Color (structured spec) | Black or White | Black or White |
| Finish (supplemental) | Black | White |
| Warranty | 2 Year | 2 Year |
| Media Type (structured) | Not applicable — scanner device | Labels; Linerless |
| Datasheet | /content/product-datasheets/37950920.pdf | /content/product-datasheets/37950930.pdf |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 37950920 or the 37950930?
The 37950930 is the marginally more explicitly documented choice for dual-interface deployments, as its card bullets specifically call out USB and RS-232 dual connectivity for legacy and modern hosts — though the 37950920's structured specs also list both interfaces. Beyond that, the two scanners are spec-identical on every measurable dimension provided: identical dimensions (5.75 × 4.06 × 2.72 in.), identical IP42 rating, identical 1D/2D engine class, identical symbology list (QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN), identical 2-year warranty, and identical interface list. The primary documented difference is color finish: supplemental data shows the 37950920 in Black and the 37950930 in White. Buyers selecting between them should treat color as the determining factor unless the manufacturer datasheets at the provided PDF paths reveal hardware distinctions not captured in the specs supplied here.
Is the 37950920 or 37950930 better for a POS system that only has USB ports?
Both scanners are documented as wired USB devices; the 37950920's supplemental spec explicitly confirms USB HID (keyboard emulation) mode, which enables plug-and-play use on POS terminals without custom drivers. The 37950930 confirms USB-powered operation. Neither model requires a separate power adapter. Based on the provided specs, both are equally viable for USB-only POS hosts.
Can either scanner connect to older serial POS terminals via RS-232?
Yes — both the 37950920 and 37950930 list RS-232 as a supported interface in their structured specs, alongside USB. The 37950930's card bullets explicitly highlight 'USB and RS-232 dual connectivity for legacy and modern hosts.' No additional RS-232 configuration details (cable type, baud rate) are present in the provided specs for either model.
Are the 37950920 and 37950930 the same scanner in different colors?
The provided specs strongly suggest this. All structured specs are identical — dimensions, IP42 rating, scan engine class, symbology list, interface options, warranty, and even the 'Black or White' color field. The only documented difference in the supplemental data is finish: Black for the 37950920, White for the 37950930. Buyers should confirm against the manufacturer datasheets (paths provided in the spec data) before assuming they are hardware-identical.
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