So far we’ve added most terminals from major manufacturers over the past 30 years, and more will be added as we figure out when they were released. It’s quite difficult to get information on the release of many terminals as most manufacturers don’t publish historical information such as this. This is especially difficult for many of the pre-2000 terminals.

Related posts:
Brief history of credit card terminals in the US

A few years ago a new terminal company named Dejavoo was established. Dejavoo was founded by the original founder of Lipman USA, and seems to be founded on the same principles that Lipman was:  rock-solid products that are easy to use and very reliable. In my opinion Lipman’s Nurit 2085 is the most reliable and best land-line terminal to date. It isn’t very small, and it doesn’t look particularly classy, but it works well, it’s cheap, and it’s easy to use. Having watched the reliability of credit card terminals diminish over the past 10 years, I would love to see a highly-reliable brand emerge. Since the terminal market is monopolized by a few behemoths, it’s equally good to see a new competitor with a strong history of success in this specific industry.

Dejavoo currently offers several terminals which should meet the requirements of most merchants, whether retail or mobile. One of the coolest  things about the Dejavoo terminals, is that they all (except the C5 and M3) support a USB WiFi adapter, allowing a merchant with a secure WiFi network to eliminate an extra cord on their counter-top.

All Dejavoo terminals have quick thermal printers, and have internal PINpads. Dejavoo terminals meet the newer PCI-PED requirements for PINpads. Lastly, all Dejavoo terminals are at the lower end, if not the lowest, of cost for comparable terminals from other manufacturers.

Wired Dejavoo Terminals

Dejavoo C5 – The C5 is the entry level terminal from Dejavoo. It is dial only, and does not support USB components like the X series. It is the lowest cost terminal from Dejavoo. It is PCI certified and would be a comparable replacement for Nurit 2085, Hypercom T7 Plus, and similar products. The C5 looks to be the most durable of the Dejavoo terminals, and is slightly larger than the X or M lines. Most merchants will probably want the additional features of the X line, as the entry X5 terminal is a significant improvement to the C5 without a significant price increase.

Dejavoo X5 – The X5 is the first terminal in the X-line. It uses a custom Linux operating system, dual processors, and supports USB peripherals including the USB WiFi adapter. It features a compact, well styled design, and supports a multitude of features all for a low price. It is a dial-only terminal, but has more memory than current Verifone or Hypercom terminals. It is PCI compliant, and features a smart card reader and internal PINpad.

Dejavoo X8 – The X8 is almost the same as the X5 except that it supports processing over an 10/100 IP/Ethernet connection in addition to a dial-connection, and has an additional USB port. It is currently the lowest cost Ethernet terminal that we know of, just edging out the Hypercom T4220.

Wireless Dejavoo Terminals

Dejavoo M3, M5 and M8

The Dejavoo M series, are PCI certified, GPRS, wireless terminals. They are all based on the same M3 platform. The M5 has a base which includes a charging station. The M8 includes a base with an Ethernet port. The M5 and the M8 support the WiFi module, but the M3 does not.

The GPRS wireless network is normally used with ATT Wireless and is currently the most used network for credit card processing. So far I have not heard of development on the CDMA networks which would include Verizon and Sprint, but I imagine that there are plans in the future.

The M series terminals all include internal PINpads and thermal printers. They are compact, and use the same dual-processor system as the X terminals. Like X terminals, M series terminals accept normal credit cards as well as smart cards. The M series terminals aren’t the most elegant terminals out there, but it looks like Dejavoo traded fashion for a more robust and durable platform, which is far more important for wireless terminals.

Dejavoo WiFi Module

The Dejavoo WiFi module is an inexpensive USB WiFi stick that allows most Dejavoo terminals to process on a secure WiFi network. It theoretically works with the M3, M5, X5 and X8 terminals (We’ve personally only tested it with the X8, but Dejavoo has assured us that it works with the rest). We’ve been playing with one for the past week and despite some minor issues in initially getting the connection to work, it seems like this is the best only WiFi processing option available. The Verifone VX 610 is completely unusable because it’s support for WPA security is horrendous. The VX 670 is equally bad because it requires an expensive base, pushing the price above $800.

A note on wireless security and processing – WEP security is completely prohibited by PCI so do not under any circumstance use WEP or a non-secure connection to process using WiFi. Businesses should use WPA or WPA2 preferable and use a strong password like “4p%n&1GiJF$*nK8n”.

Conclusion

Based on our initial experience with Dejavoo terminals, they look to be the most promising brand of terminals we’ve seen in a long time, especially with regard to their wireless M-series wireless terminals. Several processors have made Dejavoo their preferred brand. I would like to see their performance over the next year or two before making a commitment. In any case, if I were Verifone or Hypercom, I would probably be concerned.  The Dejavoo terminals appear to be superior to both brands in just about every way including price, and only time will tell if they live up to their founder’s reputation.

Way Systems created their own terminal instead of using a re-manufactured Siemens phone. While they technologically regressed in some areas, they made a better product that works for what it is designed to do, process credit cards. By designing from the ground up they were able to use a single keypad for PIN debit processing (Their old models had 2 keypads due to encryption requirements). New features include the ability to add additional processing applications. Once certified, the terminal will support check services and gift cards through some select 3rd party providers. There are also no longer any log in/out requirements to use the terminal, and it has the ability to install new firmware when it becomes available. The new terminal still works with existing Way Systems infrared printers, and can now be charged through a mini-USB port. It is now supported by Apriva and eProcessing Network which allows it to be used with just about every US processor.

This terminal should be available early 2009, and should be a vast improvement to existing Way Systems 1581 terminals. If you were looking at purchasing a Way terminal, it would probably be better to wait for the way5000. We expect it to be about the same price as the 1581.

You can purchase the way5000 terminal from our main website.

Verifone is the second largest processing equipment manufacturer in the world, and their rivals Hypercom and Ingenico, have not made any moves to increase prices. Although this is only about a 5% price increase, I think that this will severely hurt Verifone’s reputation among banks and processors. Since banks and processors decide which terminals they make available to their customers, this could move to the point that Hypercom and Ingenico gain major ground on the US credit card terminal market. Hypercom’s most recent terminal line, is extremely competitive, and Verifone may have just opened the door for them to make a move.

Verifone’s stock has lost roughly 80% of it’s value since this time last year, while Hypercom has kept loses below 70%. I think this is a poor manner to handle a difficult situation. Verifone would have received a much better response by increasing the prices of their equipment instead of adding a fee to each one being sold. Sometimes the presentation is more important than the action, and I think that this may end up being one of those times.

Unlike Verifone and many other manufacturers, Hypercom realized that by making a single terminal with several versions, they can reduce their production costs, and make a superior product. Hypercom’s T42** and M42** line of terminals are exactly that, all the same terminal in form and operation, but with subtle hardware differences.

Hypercom’s T4210 is the most basic of the series and uses a standard dial connection. Stepping up, the T4220 is an Ethernet based terminal. Third in line, the T4230, is a retail (counter-top) based cellular terminal operating on AT&T’s wireless network. The M4230 is the same cellular terminal as the T4230 except it has a battery making it completely mobile. Last in the line, the Bluetooth enabled M4240, is battery powered and designed for hand-over processing such as pay-at-the-table.

This line of terminals is set to make a very strong stand against anything out there. They come in with a low price tag, and are high in features and usability. All include thermal printers, smart card capability, and internal PINpads. These are designed to be extremely easy to use, and all are identical to operate. This is a good thing, because businesses that want to upgrade within the terminal line, don’t have to learn any new operating procedures. Input ports are color coded, the printer cover opens with the push of a button, and there’s even a cable organizer to reduce cable clutter.

Hypercom thought these terminals through very well, and I think that they are going to be very popular once they are a little better certified. If you’re in the market for a new terminal because yours is going out or you need an upgrade, I highly recommend checking these out.

Ingenico and Hypercom are two of the largest credit card terminal manufacturers after Verifone. Verifone made a purchase of the Lipman corporation about a year and a half ago, which set their market share far ahead of any competitor.

The combination of Ingenico and Hypercom would create a company with an annual revenue of around 800M. Verifone is currently at about 2B so there is still a sizable gap, but this could create some real competition for Verifone.

Ingenico is less popular in the US than in other countries, but they make some very interesting products, and was one of the first to offer a reliable pay at the table solution. Hypercom is the number two terminal manufacturer in the US. Hypercom would be an excellent medium for Ingenico to grow their US presence.

I think that this would be a very smart acquisition for both Hypecom and Ingenico.

Here’s a few newer terminals that are finally catching up with technology, and style! My personal favorite is the Hypercom M4100, but several of these terminals are amazing.

Verifone VX 670

This the same terminal that Verifone uses for their pay at the table processing. This is a super fast battery operated WiFi terminal that is going to start getting very popular for high-end restaurants.

Verifone VX 810

The VX 810 is a high-end PINpad that is made in a hand-over design. Because of its high price for a PINpad, it’s unlikely that the 810 will ever become a mainstream PINpad.

Hypercom M4100

The M4100 is Hypercom’s answer to all other wireless terminals. It is made to compete with the ultra-compact terminals from Way Systems, Comstar and Apriva, but is rock solid and ready to use for any size merchant. It’s GPRS and WiFi enabled, includes an internal PINpad, and fits in a pocket.

Thales Artema Mobile

Thales terminals are not common in the US, but they are fairly popular in some other countries. The Artema Mobile is a GPRS wireless terminal with a printer and PINpad. It is one of the smallest wireless terminals available that has a printer attached.

Ingenico i7300 – i7910+

Ingenico has been making some very interesting terminals for several years, but most US processors do not support them. The i7*** series terminals come in just about any configuration a business would want, GPRS, WiFi, multi-terminal server, etc. These terminals are very small and have attached printers.

Exadigm XD2000

Exadigm is another brand that is rarely seen in the US. The XD2000 comes with an internal PINpad, smart card reader, and full size printer. It can be configured for dial, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPRS, CDMA, and runs on a very basic Linux operating system. It’s slightly larger than some other wireless terminals, but has more features available than any other terminal.

Blue Bamboo H50

The Blue Bamboo H50 is a compact terminal, that is full featured and is relatively inexpensive. This is a newcomer to the processing industry but the price, size and features, make it likely to gain popularity with some mobile businesses.

Way Systems 1581

This is the newest terminal from Way Systems and is scheduled to be in operation in the next few months. This appears to be a vast improvement over the functional, but ugly MTT 1551 and 1556, and is still based on a Siemens mobile phone.

Pay at the table is something that has been around in Europe for a long time, but is just now gaining popularity in the US. Table payment offers much better card security (if setup correctly), and is a way to increase the speed of processing customer transactions.

Benefits of pay-at-the-table processing:

• Card skimming potential is eliminated.
• Customer can process their own payment with tip, without ever handing over their card.
• Faster than using a central location for processing.

The biggest benefit from any standpoint, is the increased security that customers have by not ever handing over their credit card. Card skimming is eliminated entirely, which protects business owners and their customers from bad employees. This is one of the few systems that truly benefit both the customer and the business.

Setup a pay-at-the-table system for your business:
The system that we used in the case of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is a custom Verifone system called “On The Spot”. This is not the only system available but it is ready virtually out of the box using WiFi Verifone VX 670 terminals, and it provides centralized reporting for any number of terminals being used with the system. VX 670 terminals work with most wireless networks, and if you already have one setup, integrating should be fairly easy.

Other possible methods include standard WiFi or Wireless terminals. These systems would lack the centralized reporting that On The Spot provides, but would be substantially lower priced. WiFi would be preferable to avoid wireless access fees. Wireless terminals are getting to a price that almost makes them affordable for a system like this, and a true wireless terminals would eliminate the need for a WiFi network, and would be much more portable than a WiFi terminal.

Both Verifone and Hypercom appear to be developing WiFi battery operated terminals for this specific purpose, so pay at the table may become mainstream rapidly. Once the prices on these terminals go down, I think that table payments will become common in the US.

If you’re interested in using a pay at the table processing, check out the On the Spot system that we offer.

PED is basically a standard set by card issuers that sets technical specifications for PINpads and credit card terminals with internal PINpads. Since there needs to be a lot of security when handling the transmission of PIN numbers, the new PCI-PED is a way to better control how terminals process a transaction, and how they handle PIN security. Most PIN devices were previously using Visa-PED, which is being replaced with a more universal PCI-PED.

The most noteworthy terminals that are going to be discontinued, are the Omni 3750, and the Nurit 8320. The Omni 3750 is being replaced by the VX 570 which is available in Dial and Ethernet versions, and is basically a more advanced Omni 3750. The Nurit 8320 is being replaced by the Nurit 8400 which is identical except the PED compliance. Current 3750′s and 8320′s should still be fine until at least 2010, and if you don’t use the internal pinpad for PIN debit processing, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

This is a great time to get a good terminal for cheap, as these terminals most likely will not be available after the new year, and existing terminals are being liquidated.

While most credit card machines only cost a few hundred dollars, it is a good idea to protect your investment, and get the most life out of your terminal. Terminals can last for ten or more years if they are well maintained, even if they are heavily used.

Common terminal killers:

• Heat
• Liquid
• Extreme cold
• Mechanical agitation
• Power surges

Heat is an enemy of electronic components.
Heat causes the resistance of electronic components to change and also causes silicon chips to change their properties on a molecular level. These changes cause variations in voltages inside the terminal, and can eventually cause something to break. Luckily, credit card terminals are nowhere near as complicated as computers, but in the case of newer terminals, there is a lot of electronics inside a very small space. Try to keep the terminal in a somewhat open area, where there is decent ventilation, not in the exhaust path of a cash register.

More so than heat, liquids will definitely destroy a terminal.
I can’t even count how many times I have heard of someone spilling a coffee or sofa on a credit card terminal, causing it to fail. This is a no-brainer, keep drinks and other liquids away from your credit card terminal. If you do spill something on it, you should unplug it immediately, and try to wipe off as much liquid as possible before it seeps further in. Drink spillage is normally not covered by terminal warranties FYI.

Extreme cold.
A lot of the country has nothing to worry about, but in those areas that it does freeze a lot during the winter, try to keep you terminal somewhere that it will not. If it is going to get very cold where your terminal is, keep it running. The biggest problem comes when a frozen terminal warms back up, and condensation shorts it out. Frozen terminals are also prone to loosing the internal battery (or the main battery for wireless terminal) which depending on the model, can cause the loss of information or may just mess-up the internal clock.

The quickest way to break a terminal is to drop it.
Some of the older terminals can take some major abuse, but the newer ones are not likely to take a large fall well. Even if nothing internally is damaged, it’s pretty easy to crack the screen making it unusable. Attaching it with the wall mounts, or using some non-skid rubber tape can keep your terminal from sliding around if the factory rubber-bumps are worn off.

Power surges break terminals.
Power surges can break the terminal from the electrical plug, and from the modem. It’s a good idea to get a good power strip or UPS (Uninterpretable Power Supply) with phone jack, and Ethernet protection. Power outage tip: If you are using an analog phone line (the lines where your phone still works when the power is out) you can use a UPS power supply to retain your ability to process, even during a complete power outage. A small UPS should cost a little over $100, and since terminals have low power consumption, your terminal could be operating for several hours of power outage. It’s a good idea to have so that you can at least ring-up any customers that are in the store when the power goes out, and you can get your batch out for the day.

Final tip: Keep your terminal on unless you absolutely need to reset it or turn it off. It is very rare for any electronic component to fail while operating at a steady state. Power cycles take their toll on electronics, so the less you can get away with, the better off your terminal will be in the long-run.