Automating trade and building a high-quality POS system are only possible with professional equipment. A modern laptop or a POS terminal: which one to choose?

Equipment has different prices and features. With laptops, everything is clear: their characteristics must meet the minimum requirements sufficient for installing the software.

A POS terminal is an all-in-one computer with a touchscreen. Its characteristics are identical to those of a laptop. Manufacturers use high-quality components that speed up cashier work and prevent errors that occur when working with a laptop.

Service life

A laptop that will be used in a store or cafe will not cope with a heavy workload. Intensive operation, constant changes in temperature and humidity will lead to failure. Buying a new laptop is a matter of time.

A POS terminal is designed for operation in intensive and adverse conditions. This equipment has a special housing that protects against moisture and dust, as well as a touchscreen that can withstand heavy loads. The protection class of a POS terminal varies depending on the model, but is higher than that of a laptop.

Interface level

The point of sale is the automated workstation of the cashier. It is supplemented with specialized equipment (receipt printer, barcode scanner, payment terminals, etc.), improving the quality of service, but much depends on the specifics of the work.

Connecting it requires additional ports, and a laptop cannot handle this task. In addition to traditional USB ports, you will need an RS232 or COM port. Modern laptop models do not have this interface. Developers produce special adapters for interface cables, but they clutter the workspace.

After assembling, connecting, and launching the entire system, you may notice a lack of stability. The workspace is weighed down by adapters and cables that can fail at any time. This is excluded in the case of a POS terminal. Manufacturers optimize the interface, equipping it with the optimal number of ports.

The POS terminal has a special case. It is installed on a "leg", and therefore there is free space for connecting a large number of cables. They can be hidden from the customer's view and guaranteed to prevent accidental disconnection. The POS terminal operates reliably and securely under any circumstances.