HP Reveals the HP ap5000 POS System and TouchSmart Hardware

HP has introduced its latest technology aimed at improving cost efficiency for retailers. The company has launched the HP ap5000 All-in-One POS System. The POS all-in-one system is designed as a touch-enabled point-of-sale one that minimizes the workspace and enhances promotional activities. The company has also revealed that its TouchSmart hardware is powering Escalate Retail's Interactive Store Kiosk.

“Addressing customer preferences, HP has expanded its retail store portfolio with an all-in-one solution that provides increased flexibility and results for a variety of business market segments,” Ray Carlin, vice president, Retail Store Solutions Global Business Unit, HP, said. “As the retail market recovers from economic hard times, HP has developed a broad retail product portfolio to best meet changing customer needs.”

The HP ap5000 enables retailers to create a comprehensive POS hardware solution through a self-contained combination of products. The system itself combines the processing power of its CPU with a touch-enabled display and a magnetic stripe reader. The screen itself can be either a two-line customer display or a 10.4-inch LCD. Functionality is not the only asset of this system, however. The HP ap5000 only needs one power outlet and little desk space, making it excellent for customer-facing areas through a reduced cable clutter and overall sleek design.

HP has also revealed that the new Interactive Store Kiosk from Escalate is now using its TouchSmart hardware. Customers can employ it to browse video content relevant to their shipping choices, view Escalate's latest social-networking stream, read customer reviews and even access the company's entire product catalog. This interactivity is possible through the multiple touch points that HP's hardware confers on the Kiosk. Touch and gestures easily enable the interaction, allowing customers to “grab” digital information.

“Joining our retail expertise and software with HP’s innovative TouchSmart hardware allows us to expand the reach of our store kiosks to retailers,” Mike Julson, chief technology officer, Escalate Retail, added. “Together, HP and Escalate are creating an immersive user experience that allows shoppers to get all the information they need to make a well-informed purchase while still in the store, which ultimately benefits retailers.”

HP will be showcasing the technology at the National Retail Federation Convention and Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. The ap5000 system will become available in March and pricing details may be found trough HP Partners. Product information may be found here.