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Funny you should bring this up. The place I work for, sells a POS like setup for fitness clubs, but with more features, than a traditional POS. We've been talk

Funny you should bring this up. The place I work for, sells a POS like setup for fitness clubs, but with more features, than a traditional POS. We've been talking a lot about replacing everything with iPads. The install price for the customers would be much much cheaper, and the experience for all involved would be better. The only thing holding us back, is the lack of available man hours, to make the switch, but it will happen.

andyjohnson0 14y ago
What are the drivers for using an iPad for POS applications? As far as I know iPads are built for light consumer use. Wouldn't a more ruggedised tablet running something like android be cheaper, more durable, and less of a target for theft? (Edit: added "something like")
- martin_bech 14y ago
  Most good Android tablets, are atleast as much as the iPad when considering cost, however you could then posibly get away with using off the rack MSR or barcode readers, provided, that the Android device features USB. The bonus of using iOS, is predictable behavior, sleek design, better custom accesories (iPad msr) , percieved value of the customer, but also the ability to get a replacement device, with ease. If you go with Acer X, you have no idea of availabilty 2-3 months later, let alone a year or two.
  - andyjohnson0 14y ago
    Interesting points - thank you. Is deploying a custom application to the iPad (without going through the App Store) as easy was sideloading to an android device?
    - martin_bech 14y ago
      I think I would go trough the App Store, and just use som kind of authentication, as that would be easier for some clients, and would provide better visibility of the app and the company. However, if you would rather sidestep the regular appstore, Apple provides something called the Volume Purchasing program. With that, it is possible to provide apps directly to devices, either for free or a paid solution. source: http://www.apple.com/business/vpp/ http://www.apple.com/business/vpp/

andyjohnson0 14y ago

What are the drivers for using an iPad for POS applications? As far as I know iPads are built for light consumer use. Wouldn't a more ruggedised tablet running something like android be cheaper, more durable, and less of a target for theft? (Edit: added "something like")

martin_bech 14y ago
Most good Android tablets, are atleast as much as the iPad when considering cost, however you could then posibly get away with using off the rack MSR or barcode readers, provided, that the Android device features USB. The bonus of using iOS, is predictable behavior, sleek design, better custom accesories (iPad msr) , percieved value of the customer, but also the ability to get a replacement device, with ease. If you go with Acer X, you have no idea of availabilty 2-3 months later, let alone a year or two.
- andyjohnson0 14y ago
  Interesting points - thank you. Is deploying a custom application to the iPad (without going through the App Store) as easy was sideloading to an android device?
  - martin_bech 14y ago
    I think I would go trough the App Store, and just use som kind of authentication, as that would be easier for some clients, and would provide better visibility of the app and the company. However, if you would rather sidestep the regular appstore, Apple provides something called the Volume Purchasing program. With that, it is possible to provide apps directly to devices, either for free or a paid solution. source: http://www.apple.com/business/vpp/ http://www.apple.com/business/vpp/