Industrial and POS tablets are built for shops, cafés, warehouses and production areas where an ordinary consumer tablet falls short. The category covers POS tablets, handheld terminals and industrial-grade tablet computers. The main brands are ALLNET, SUNMI and iMin, along with iiyama and Elo.
How to choose an industrial or POS tablet
Where it will be used. A counter in a shop or café needs a device that copes with constant touching and spilt drinks. In a warehouse, factory or outdoors, protection against dust, water and drops matters more, so check the IP rating and the manufacturer's stated shock resistance.
Operating system. Most modern POS and industrial tablets run Android, while some models use Windows. Choose according to the till, stock or ordering software you use, and confirm with the software supplier that your system is supported before you buy.
Connections and accessories. Till work often calls for USB ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a receipt printer or a barcode scanner. For mobile work, mobile data and NFC for reading cards and tags are useful. A wall-mounted panel in a building is easier to install with Power over Ethernet (PoE), since one cable carries both data and power.
Screen and power. A fixed terminal suits a larger screen that the customer can see too. A handheld device needs to be light and its battery has to last a whole shift. If staff wear gloves or work in bright light, check that the touchscreen is designed for it.
Mounting. Make sure the device can be fixed where you need it: on a wall, a stand or at the till point. VESA mounting is common but not on every model, so read the product description.
Brands in our range
- ALLNET: a German network and IT equipment company, and the brand with the most products in this category in our range.
- SUNMI: a Chinese manufacturer known for Android-based POS terminals, both desktop and handheld, with some models including a built-in receipt printer.
- iMin: a Chinese manufacturer of Android till terminals and handheld devices for retail and hospitality.
- iiyama and Elo: both are best known as touchscreen makers, and Elo is especially active in retail and restaurant point-of-sale systems.
Frequently asked questions
How is a POS tablet different from a normal tablet?
A POS tablet is made for long daily use at a till or service point, so it usually has a sturdier body, more connections and the option to attach a printer or scanner. A standard consumer tablet is generally not designed for that workload and has fewer ports.
Which operating system should I choose?
Choose the one your till or warehouse software supports. Android is the most common on POS and industrial tablets, but if you rely on Windows software, look for a model that runs Windows.
Does the IP rating matter?
It matters if the device will work in dusty, damp or dirty conditions. The numbers in an IP rating describe protection against solid particles and water, and higher numbers mean stronger protection. A shop or café counter often needs less, but check the details of the specific model.
Can a tablet be powered through a network cable?
Yes, if the model supports PoE (Power over Ethernet). One cable then carries both data and power, which is convenient for wall-mounted panels. Support is listed in the manufacturer's specification, and your network switch or injector must meet the PoE standard.
