Like the counter top barcode readers, this barcode reader is used without having to pick the reader up. You simply 'show' the barcode to the reader.

The reader uses several laser beams at different angles (instead of the usual one most handheld readers use) so that is can read barcodes shown to it at different angles (i.e. you don't have to keep rotating the item so a single laser beam goes across it).

You can actually pick up this reader if the item you are trying to read is very heavy and it is easier to move the reader, rather than the item.