Nonhandheld

Nonhandheld refers to devices or equipment that are not designed to be held during ordinary operation. In contrast to handheld devices, which are portable and typically operated while cradled in one or both hands, nonhandheld devices are usually stationary or mounted and intended to remain in a fixed position.

The category covers desktop and tower computers, servers, workstations, fixed-point terminals such as point-of-sale systems and kiosks, arcade cabinets, large televisions and digital signage, wall-mounted displays, industrial control panels, laboratory equipment, vending machines, and other appliances or machines designed for permanent installation.

Design considerations for nonhandheld devices include weight and form factor for placement, mounting methods, power delivery and cooling, durability, security, and user interface that may rely on fixed controls, external peripherals, or embedded touch panels. They commonly require power outlets, network connectivity, and sometimes specialized environmental protections.

The term is used across industries to distinguish from handheld or mobile variants of the same product family, such as home computers versus handheld gaming devices, cash registers versus portable payment terminals, and fixed display systems versus smartphones.

In documentation and market analysis, nonhandheld descriptions help define use cases, deployment scenarios, and maintenance planning for equipment intended to operate in a stable environment rather than on the move.