Thanks for the suggestions digip, what I'm trying to do is create an ID scanner using an ipad instead of this clunky device. I'd be willing to pay someone that could help me do this. Or at least point me in the right direction.
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was the packaging different on the original Square card reader? Like, is this it?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Square-Card-Reader-/170981097629?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cf44809d
I've been searching the net for a legit ID scanner that I could use without having to purchase and carry around a bulky additional piece of equipment (the scanner) just to get it to work with an iPad.
Is is possible to hack something like Square's credit card reader (or PayPal's) and get it to scan ID's instead?