My first guess on the barcode is a tracking device. Maybe where they hide the translator too, because I seriously doubt the entire fabric of reality speaks English as a primary language.

...Kinda like the grocery store idea though. Wonder how they decide pricing. Genetic make up? Skill set? Area of Origin? Color of our hair?

You can try asking for a computer; dunno if you'll get one or not, but I have a laptop they gave me if you want to borrow it.