A browser-based point of sale needs far less hardware than the old cash-register systems: often just a laptop or tablet you may already own. Choosing and setting up the right extras still makes a big difference to how fast your counter runs. This guide covers the hardware a small shop actually needs, what to look for, and how to test it before your first busy day.
The essentials
A main device
A laptop or tablet is the heart of a browser-based POS. Look for:
- A good battery, so the counter keeps running through short power cuts.
- A screen large enough for staff to tap products quickly; 10 inches or more for tablets.
- A modern, up-to-date browser such as Chrome, Edge or Safari.
- Enough USB ports or Bluetooth for a printer and scanner.
A cheap device that is slow to open pages will slow down every sale, so this is not the place to save the most money.
A receipt printer
Most small shops use an 80mm thermal printer. Thermal printers need no ink, are quiet and fast, and the paper is cheap and widely available. Things to check:
- Paper width: 80mm is the common size; make sure you buy matching rolls.
- Connection: USB is the simplest and most reliable. Network or Bluetooth printers are useful when the printer sits away from the till.
- Works from the browser: print a test receipt from your POS before you buy several printers.
Useful extras
Barcode scanner
If you sell many packaged items, a scanner speeds up checkout and reduces mistakes. Most USB scanners behave like a keyboard: they "type" the barcode into whichever field is selected, so they work with browser-based systems without special drivers. Check that your products' barcodes are entered in the POS, and test a few items before relying on it.
Cash drawer
Many cash drawers connect to the receipt printer and open when a receipt prints. If you choose one, confirm it is compatible with your printer, or use a manual drawer with a key.
Tablet stand and card terminal
A stand keeps a tablet steady and visible. Card terminals come from your bank or payment provider; remember they need their own connection, which matters during internet outages.
Power protection
A small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) keeps a router and printer running through short cuts and protects equipment from power spikes. Where power is unreliable, it often pays for itself.
Setting up your counter
- Place the device where the cashier can see it and customers can see the total.
- Connect the printer and print a test page from the computer, then a test receipt from the POS.
- Connect the scanner and scan a product into the POS search to confirm it reads correctly.
- Set the receipt layout: your business name, contact details and any footer message.
- Label cables so anyone can reconnect them after cleaning or a move.
Test before opening day
- Ring up ten real products, scanning where possible.
- Print receipts for a cash sale, a split payment and a refund.
- Switch off the Wi-Fi mid-sale to see how your POS behaves offline (see Offline POS explained).
- Run the day's report and check the totals.
Keep spares
Keep at least two spare receipt rolls, a spare USB cable and, if possible, a second device that can run the POS in an emergency. A phone with the POS bookmarked can keep you selling while a laptop is repaired.
How this applies to CWPOS
CWPOS runs in a modern browser on a laptop, tablet or phone and prints thermal receipts; an 80mm thermal receipt printer is optional. Because it runs in the browser, test your chosen printer and scanner with the live demo on your own device before you buy several of them. For choosing the system itself, see How to choose a POS system.
