Portable or Mobile? What’s the difference for a POS?

I got this question the other day and I thought it was worth discussing. When we discuss POS computers, there is actually a significant difference between the two. Understanding this difference will help you determine what type of device you should purchase.

Portable: Laptops and netbooks are portable. You move them from one location to another; say a desk or your lap.

Mobile: Smart phones are mobile. You can walk around and use them at the same time.

Where do tablets to fit in? Anything from an iPad down would be mobile. If it is bigger than 10”, then it would be portable.

Will this always be the case? Right now, the weight of the device is really the determining factor. I'm really curious to see what Apple has planned for the rumored iPad Pro. I can't imagine them making a device that would require you to hunker down in place to use. They are known for innovation, but how much lighter can they get? And once they come out with a 12” tablet, other manufactures are sure to follow. Guess we'll see in the coming months.