Point Of Sale tablet, X86 and must have dock.

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Point Of Sale tablet, X86 and must have dock.

EcosseTech

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#277133 28-Sep-2020 11:11

Hey all..

Just got a quick question regarding tablets.. I am looking for some X86 architecture devices to run point of sale software.
We have installed a Element tablet on this site.. Element is a POS brand brought in by Sektor.. https://www.sektor.com.au/Product/TTELHE10CW001

The issue is that this tablet has no docking ability. The tablet lives under a bench and isn't easy to fumble a USB C cord into it each time..
I have looked at Surface tablets and they are nice.. A little more premium but they fit the bill..
The one thing they don't do is cleanly dock in one motion.. You need to plug further cords into it..

Does anyone have a suggestion to fit the requirements? Maybe if the device just wirelessly charged it would be fine.
I am guessing a IBM or HP solution will be the answer here. No Prosumer or Consumer device will check all the boxes I think..

Cheers

tchart

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#2575196 28-Sep-2020 12:09

You can get magnetic usb-c connectors. The magnets are pretty powerful so the connectors just kind of self align.

Dumb question, if it lives under a bench why do you need to constantly dock/undock it?

Dynamic

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#2575215 28-Sep-2020 12:21

Can I also ask your use-case? Why does this solution work better than an on-desk POS terminal?

I'm wondering if a fanless NUC might do the trick, with a USB-powered touch monitor plugged into the front (easy access) for service?

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EcosseTech

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Geek

#2575225 28-Sep-2020 12:38

tchart: You can get magnetic usb-c connectors. The magnets are pretty powerful so the connectors just kind of self align.

Dumb question, if it lives under a bench why do you need to constantly dock/undock it?

Customer uses this tablet alongside of a fixed POS for Coffee only orders tendering via EFTPOS to clear a queue.. When said like it "Lives" somewhere. For a mobile device that is just where it would be found if no one is using it or it needs to be charged. In a fast paced environment they can't really squat down to fumble with it for 10 seconds. This means it doesn't get charged when not in use due to laziness or difficulty.

I have also seen those! Maybe a magnetic adapter is the go.. There is no data requirement for the USB C. I would still rather a dock style unit like my EFTPOS next to it.

Please see image showing EFTPOS on a dock that doesn't require plug in and then the tablet sitting on its current one.

EcosseTech

24 posts

Geek

#2575230 28-Sep-2020 12:44

Dynamic:

Can I also ask your use-case? Why does this solution work better than an on-desk POS terminal?

I'm wondering if a fanless NUC might do the trick, with a USB-powered touch monitor plugged into the front (easy access) for service?

It doesn't! It's a dog!!!

The only thing is that the customer uses it walking up and down the Coffee line. Electronic tendering. Prints a docket next to the Barista.
Please see image on post above. Will clear up the info there..

I have also tried another solution on another site.. Install Windows 10 on VM's in Hyper V. Then use an Ipad with a RDP client to connect to each VM simeltaneously. Just have issues with network when WiFi drops down and the quality drops due to it being a remote session..

Cheers

Dynamic

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#2575300 28-Sep-2020 13:44

OK, fantastic plan to have a portable sale terminal like that. I guess the POS system is not up for negotiation, allowing you to use something with an HTML front end so you can use a wider variety of devices.

Hmmmm.... click-in docks seem to have been depreciated in favour of USB-C connections. The magnetic charging connector idea may be suitable, and sounds like it might be worth a go.

I was going to suggest the HP ElitePad 900, but it seems to have been retired. Are any of the Zebra tablets suitable? I think Sektor have these.

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tchart

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#2575317 28-Sep-2020 14:08

I have one of these to save wear on my laptops usb-c connector - I connect my laptop to a dock so this one supports data.

There are many more slim/low profile options if you only need power. Most of those are round so they are even easier to connect.

EcosseTech

24 posts

Geek

#2575384 28-Sep-2020 14:47

Dynamic:

OK, fantastic plan to have a portable sale terminal like that. I guess the POS system is not up for negotiation, allowing you to use something with an HTML front end so you can use a wider variety of devices.

Hmmmm.... click-in docks seem to have been depreciated in favour of USB-C connections. The magnetic charging connector idea may be suitable, and sounds like it might be worth a go.

I was going to suggest the HP ElitePad 900, but it seems to have been retired. Are any of the Zebra tablets suitable? I think Sektor have these.

Yeah the concept has merit! They use IdealPOS which is windows based. Each terminal runs its own instance alongside of the rest and uses a common server for loyalty, stock, pricing etc.
Sektor pricing is extremely unfavorable with us. Even as a larger reseller..

I can get Zebra equipment from PB Tech as a consumer cheaper than them. Also their paper rolls and labels is super expensive. They make most of it themselves in Auckland, have a lead time of 5 working days and charge 2X as much as just going on the net and finding them... Chick who answers the phone sounds hot tho!

Funny joke.. I have 2 Elitepad 900's here with dead batteries.. Both have chargers and also the "productivity jacket"

I think the USB C magnetic charger is the go!