Tablet Based Point of Sale
By: Blaine - 6/6/2014

We get a lot of questions about what you need for a tablet based point of sale system. Here’s a rundown of the essentials and options for tablet POS systems.

Why choose a tablet POS system over a traditional PC POS system? Tablet systems are more compact, making them suited for limited space, such as small boutiques or food trucks. They can be totally wireless, making them mobile. They are also a bit more affordable than PC systems, depending on the type of tablet and accessories you choose. Tablet systems, however, are less powerful than PC systems, so they are suited best for light retail or small restaurants. There are also fewer software options for tablets.

Card reader:
Most mobile card readers that plug into a headphone jack will work just fine with your tablet POS system. These include anything from a Square reader to the <a href="https://posguys.com/mobile-card-reader_68/ID-Tech-UniMag-Pro_1199/">ID Tech UniMag Pro</a>. If you require more than a magnetic stripe reader, such as an EMV terminal, we suggest looking into a PC system instead of a tablet system.

Printer:
Many tablet POS systems forgo a receipt printer altogether (many card processing systems such as Square include the option to email a receipt to the customer), but if you prefer a receipt printer, there are several options that are suited better for tablet systems. We recommend the <a href="https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Star-Micronics-TSP100_962/39463110_43822/">Star TSP100 Ethernet</a> (39463110 model), or the <a href="https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-m30_2456/">Epson TM-m30</a> (available with WiFi and Bluetooth models).

Cash Drawer: 
Because tablets are so small compared to a PC, the whole system easily fits on top of a much smaller cash drawer than in a PC-based POS system. Cash drawers like the <a href="https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/MMF-Cash-Drawer-Val-u-Line-Compact_2436/">MMF Val-u Line</a> compact cash drawer or the <a href="https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/APG-Stratis_2429/">APG Stratis</a> are excellent for tablet systems.

Barcode scanner: 
Most retail barcode scanners can connect via USB cable, so if your tablet has a USB port, it can interface with the majority of retail scanners. If your tablet does not have a USB port or you prefer a wireless barcode scanner, there are a wide variety of Bluetooth barcode scanners that interface well with tablets. We recommend the <a href="https://posguys.com/mobile-barcode-scanner_67/UniTech-MS912_2366/">Unitech MS912</a> (1D scanner) or <a href="https://posguys.com/mobile-barcode-scanner_67/Symbol-CS4070_2395/">Symbol CS4070</a> (2D scanner).

Accessories:
A tablet stand is essential for tablet systems, and there are a wide variety available, including ones that pivot to be customer facing for signature capture, etc. Tablet systems can include an optional keyboard if you find a keyboard necessary, however we tend to recommend against it. Keyboards take up much more room, make the system look less sleek, and are largely unnecessary with tablets.

Other options:
A tablet like the ruggedized <a href="https://posguys.com/tablets_65/UniTech-TB120_2521/">Unitech TB120</a> tablet that has a built in barcode scanner is also a good option.

Any questions on tablet systems? Please feel free to call us!

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Tablet Based Point of Sale By: Blaine - 6/6/2014

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Tablet Based Point of Sale
By: Blaine - 6/6/2014