HiStone Box EPOS

What Are Box POS Systems?

Box POS systems separate the computer from the display. A compact, commercial-grade PC sits under the counter, on a shelf or behind a screen, and connects to one or more touchscreen monitors, customer displays and peripherals. This modular approach gives you complete flexibility over where each component is placed.

Box POS systems are popular in larger retail stores, supermarkets, hospitality venues with complex counter layouts and any installation where the computer needs to be hidden away or drive more than one screen.

Benefits of Box POS Systems

• Flexible layouts – position the screen and computer independently.
• Multiple displays – drive an operator screen, customer display and signage from one unit.
• Choice of screen size – pair the PC with the touch screen monitor that suits your counter.
• Easy upgrades – replace the PC or the screen separately as needs change.
• Plenty of ports – connect printers, scanners, scales, cash drawers and card terminals.
• Reliable performance – fanless designs run quietly and resist dust.

Box POS Systems vs All-in-One POS

An all-in-one POS terminal keeps everything in a single housing and suits most standard counters. Box POS systems are the better choice when you need a specific screen size, under-counter installation, multiple displays or a hardware layout designed around a bespoke counter. Many businesses use both across different areas of the same site.

Choosing Box POS Hardware

Processor and Performance

Choose a processor that comfortably runs your EPOS software, back-office tools and any additional applications. Our box POS systems offer a range of Intel processor options, from efficient low-power models to high-performance units for demanding software.

Storage and Memory

Solid-state storage gives fast start-up times and reliable performance. Choose enough memory to run your software smoothly, with headroom for future updates.

Ports and Expansion

Check the number of USB, serial, LAN and display ports. Retailers with scales, scanners and multiple printers will need more connections than a single café counter.

Mounting

Box POS systems can be mounted under the counter, behind a monitor using a VESA bracket or on a shelf. Plan cable routes before installation for a tidy finish.

Operating System

Our box POS systems support Windows and Linux. Visit Microsoft Windows for platform information, and always confirm compatibility with your software provider.

Pairing Screens and Peripherals

Box POS systems work with our range of touch screen monitors, from compact operator screens to large customer-facing displays. Add receipt printers, barcode scanners and cash drawers to complete the set-up, or connect to scale POS systems for weighed goods.

Box POS Systems for Retail

In supermarkets, convenience stores and department stores, box POS systems often power lanes with separate operator and customer screens. The PC can sit securely under the counter, keeping the checkout area clear. For more on retail hardware, see our retail EPOS systems page.

Box POS Systems for Hospitality

In bars and restaurants, a box POS system can drive a front-of-house screen and a separate order display, or sit out of the way behind the bar where space is tight. Visit our hospitality EPOS systems page for complete solutions.

Box POS Systems for Software Houses

Software houses often choose box POS systems as a standard platform for their applications because the same PC can be paired with different screens for different customers. We can image, test and kit each unit to order. Find out more about our trade EPOS hardware services.

Box POS Systems Frequently Asked Questions

Are box POS systems more powerful than all-in-one terminals?

Not necessarily, but they often offer more processor options and expansion ports, which makes them ideal for demanding installations.

Can one box POS system drive two screens?

Yes. Most of our box POS systems support dual displays for operator and customer screens.

Can you pre-configure box POS systems before delivery?

Yes. We can install your operating system and software, test peripherals and apply asset tags in our Leicester workshop.

Can I use my own touch screen with a HiStone box POS?

Yes. Box POS units connect to standard monitors and touch screens, including the HiStone touch screen monitors we supply.

Which operating systems are available?

The HiStone HK600 and HK600U can be supplied with Windows or Linux.

Do you supply box POS systems outside the UK?

Yes. We supply HiStone EPOS hardware to resellers and businesses in the Republic of Ireland.

How do I get a price?

Call 0116 260 3100 or email sales@b-spokesystems.com for a tailored quotation.

Planning a Modular Counter Layout

The biggest advantage of a modular set-up is the freedom to design the counter around the way staff work. Before ordering, sketch the counter and mark where the operator stands, where customers approach and where each device will sit.

• Operator screen – at a comfortable height and angle, within easy reach.
• Customer display – facing the customer at eye level, clear of obstructions.
• PC unit – ventilated, secure and accessible for maintenance.
• Printer and cash drawer – close to the operator, with tidy cable routes.
• Scanner – positioned to suit the flow of goods across the counter.

Cable management is often overlooked. Measured cable lengths, cable trays and clearly labelled connections make installation faster and keep the counter safe and tidy.

Performance for Demanding Software

Some EPOS applications do much more than ring up sales. Integrated loyalty, real-time stock control, kitchen routing, customer-facing promotions and back-office reporting all need processing power and memory. A modular PC can be specified with higher-performance processors and extra memory without changing the screens, making it easy to match the hardware to the workload.

Fanless designs are especially useful in dusty stockrooms, busy kitchens and noise-sensitive environments. With no fans to clog, they need less maintenance and are more reliable over time.

Upgrading Without Replacing Everything

Because the computer and screen are separate, you can upgrade one without the other. When software requirements grow, a new PC can be fitted behind existing screens. When a counter is redesigned, new screens can be paired with an existing PC. This flexibility helps businesses protect their investment and reduce waste.

Multi-Lane and Multi-Site Installations

Supermarkets and chains often run dozens of identical lanes across many stores. Standardising on one PC model and one or two screen sizes simplifies spares, training and support. We can image every unit with your standard build, label it by store and lane, and deliver it ready for installation.

Choosing Peripherals for a Modular Till

Receipt printers, scanners, cash drawers and payment terminals should be selected together with the PC so that every connection is accounted for. Serial and powered USB ports are useful for older peripherals, while LAN printing suits kitchens and bars. We test complete bundles before dispatch, so each till works as a set from day one.

Why Buy From B-Spoke Systems

B-Spoke Systems has supplied point-of-sale hardware since 2003 and is the official UK distributor for HiStone. Every order follows our ISO 9001 certified process: stock held in Leicester, configuration and testing by our own technicians, UK warranty support and spare parts, and showroom demonstrations before you buy. Resellers and software houses can also use our trade services, including imaging, kitting by site and drop-shipping.

Get a Quote

To discuss your requirements, call 0116 260 3100, email sales@b-spokesystems.com or contact us online. You can also book a visit to our Leicester showroom or browse all of our EPOS hardware products.