HP ElitePOS is a secure retail point-of-sale system powered by Microsoft Windows 10

Windows 10 has proven to be a bit disappointing for some users, but for others, it can be a satisfying experience. If you cannot afford a Mac, and learning Linux is out of the question, Microsoft's desktop operating system is your best bet. Look, Windows 10 isn't a bad OS at all. Actually, it scales rather well to many computer types and screen sizes. For instance, no other desktop OS can match it on a touch screen.

To highlight this, today, HP announces a beautiful Windows 10 point-of-sale system. Called "ElitePOS," it leverages many of Windows 10's strengths, such as touch-input and security. The little business computer is quite attractive too, which is very important for a customer-facing machine. The machine has solid hardware on the inside as well, featuring Kaby Lake processors and DDR4 memory. The body doesn't just look good, it is built well too, with military-grade ruggedness. In other words, this POS computer is not a "POS."

"The ElitePOS features a stunning, modular design, different from large, boxy POS terminals commonly used in retail environments. Its design is also functional, supporting use cases beyond checkout to make shopping faster and easier for both customers and the sales associates assisting them. These use cases include: interactive signage, employee attendance, and self-service applications like a customer check-in and access to additional product offerings in the “endless aisle”. For retailers who want a clean and clutter-free counter space, or who need greater versatility in the placement of their point-of-sale terminal, the display can be separated from the input/output (I/O) base for maximum placement versatility," says HP.

HP further says, "Retail and hospitality often have demanding and harsh environments, which can damage or destroy consumer-leveraged technology. That is why the ElitePOS is built to be retail-durable, designed to pass MIL-STD tests, deter minor spills by channeling liquid out the device, and provide efficient cooling with side venting for improved reliability. Additionally, line-busting will be a breeze with Windows 10, fast DDR4 memory, and 7th generation Intel Core processors with vPro technology."

HP shares the following security aspects of this Windows 10 point-of-sale system.

• BIOS-level device security to provide protection in the event of a malware attack with HP Sure Start Gen3, the industry’s first self-healing BIOS, and HP BIOSphere Gen3, the industry-leading firmware ecosystems.
• User authentication technology, including an optional fingerprint reader with Windows Hello, to help prevent unauthorized access; Credential Guard for secure user authentication and password protection, and Device Guard, which lets IT managers create rules to run only signed, trusted, and approved applications on the POS system to help protect against walk-up and low-level attacks through USB ports.
• Physical security of the device itself with an optional bolt-to-counter configuration, VESA mounting and K-Lock features, and external fingerprint reader for secure login through Windows Hello

The HP ElitePOS is not yet available, but will be later this month. If interested in buying it, you can sign up here to be notified when it goes on sale. In addition to the point-of-sale system itself, HP will also be selling optional accessories, such as a receipt printer, fingerprint reader, and barcode scanner. For the best retail experience, all three of those would be a wise investment.