Ken,
Many scanners implement a protocol called "Key Board Wedge", which sort of describes the actual implmentation.... it is "wedged" between the keyboard and the PC, so whatever is scanned simply gets sent to the application as "key board" key strokes. USB ports have direct access to the keyboard buffer, so a USB scanner that has Key Board Wedge implementation, will send the scanned characters to the keyboard buffer in the same manner as the PS2 type. The only practical difference between the two, is the cables. You are correct that a PS2 type requires a "Y" cable which normally is included with the scanner. I have used both and find either works well. USB cables can be purchased in longer lengths, which can be handy.
-Bob
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Ken Tooker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Will be setting up a barcode (7.1) application and need to know what
> would be the best choice for the scanner unit attachment. Have a choice
> of a PS2 connector or USB connector. I can understand how the scan
> output would be received by the application using the PS2 connector, but
> how does the application see the results of the scan using the USB
> connector? The USB would be the more simpler and cleaner way. The PS2
> connector would need some sort of wye (Y) connector to accommodate both
> keyboard and scanner.
>
> Thanks in advance...
> Ken
>
