iPod touch POS system

easypay_1.jpg

easypay_2.jpg

If you've ever shopped at an Apple store you've probably experienced their relaxed point of sale (POS) system. You walk in, try out new gear, talk to a sales rep, swipe your card, sign a screen, blurt an email address, and you're out of there. Usually you skip the register, yet your wallet always seems lighter after each visit. It's all very smooth and thought out. But something has always bugged me about the whole process. The sales reps have always used a third-party mobile device to complete the transaction. It just didn't go well with the jeans and black turtleneck vibe.

Well, it would seem that Apple has picked up on customers pestering them about this minor user experience discrepancy and are about to remedy the situation with a new POS system based on their wildly popular iPod touch mobile entertainment device. Dubbed EasyPay, each unit will consist of a iPod touch and a special case which houses a barcode scanner, card reader, extra battery and mini-USB connector. The system runs custom POS software and uses a Pogo Sketch stylus to capture cardholder signatures.

Apple's new iPod touch-based EasyPay checkout
[via AppleInsider]


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Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: Collin Cunningham on November 4, 2009 at 5:48 AM

ha - it's about time!
I've always thought those clunky 'outsider' devices were likely considered blasphemous by the user-experience designers in cupertino


Posted by: Nate on November 4, 2009 at 6:01 AM

Hrrm...

For some reason, I think the name "EasyPay" is already in use....but I can't place it.

The great google didn't immediately turn anything up for me (though there were some pre-existing corporate-like items).

Either way: cue the lawsuit.

(Also, I'm glad this is going inside the Apple Store...anywhere else seems like a complete waste of money...then again, so does the Apple Store)


Posted by: alex.s.myopenid.com on November 4, 2009 at 4:00 PM

I think it's the name of a gas station pay-at-pump feature.


Posted by: Anonymous on November 4, 2009 at 10:47 AM

What a POS


Posted by: Big Daddy Dave on November 4, 2009 at 12:02 PM

If it's on a Mac...it must be secure

seriously? They are letting people checkout on an ipod...this should be easy as hell to sniff out and break into.


Posted by: bachaddict on November 4, 2009 at 11:28 PM

Pogo Sketch

It is also possible to use a touchpad with the negative end of a battery. Not sure why it works


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