One of the more interesting retail products unveiled at the HP Global Influencer Summit was the RP7 a touch screen system that can be used behind the counter or mounted on a wall.
The display is available in two sizes - 15in or 17in. We had a close up look at the 15in model, which was set up in a retail configuration.
This RP7 model has a webcam attached on the top, finger print reader on the left and card reader on the right.
In terms of specification, the RP7 is available with an Intel Celeron, Core i3 or i5 processor. The latter supports Intel's V-Pro technology, which provides enhanced maintenance and management features.
It is possible to upgrade to 16GB of RAM, and users are offered the choice of a 32GB Flash drive, 320GB HDD or 128/256GB SSD. Other key connectivity features include seven USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port (which can be used with keyboard or mouse) and a DVI-I port.
The screen has three attachments connected via USB ports. A webcam for communicating with customers or technical support staff a biometric scanner to lock/unlock the till and a Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) to carry out transactions. HP said in countries, such as the UK, where chip-and-pin is used, the MSR would primarily be used to scan loyalty cards.
Users can access the inner working to make adjustments as and when required.
Like HP's Z1 Workstation, the RP7 is user-upgradeable and has a screwless chassis. The back clips off giving access to the hard drive and allowing attachments to be replaced if required.
The monitor itself comes with a 1024 x 768 resolution, 350 cd/m2 brightness and a 700:1 contrast ratio. HP has used resistive glass to help the device survive the bumps and spillages which may occur in retail environments such as restaurants.
The RP7 is very flexible and this makes it ideal for retail environments.
As it rests on a dual-hinge base, the RP7 is highly adjustable and you can tweak the height and orientation to make it more comfortable for your height. This could be useful feature for retailers as employees are not necessarily linked to one device.
Below the screen you'll find capacitive buttons similar to ones you would see on an Android handset such as the HTC One X. These buttons light up when touched and provide shortcuts to the settings menu. They're unlikely to be used regularly as the device automatically adjusts itself.
HP also has software pre-loaded onto the device through partners, depending on the needs of the retailer.
The customer-facing monitor can be used to show how the transaction is going or to run adverts.
Retailers can also purchase a 10.4in monitor, designed to be customer facing. This non-touch screen monitor could be used to show customers the items they have purchased or to stream advertisements. A HP RP7 Adjustable Stand (BOT02AV/AQ703AA)) can also be called into play to hold the two devices as demonstrated.
HP claims the product has a five-year lifespan and backs this up by bundling a support contract for the same period with the machine. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but it could prove a valuable investment for retailers looking to modernise their POS systems.
Verdict
This flexible touch screen looks like just the ticket for retailers looking to upgrade ageing POS systems. The RP7 is available in a number of customisations and the five year support could also prove to be crucial.
