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iPod Vending Machines

April 14, 2006 at 9:35 AM | 2 Comments

Forget trying to hassle the front desk for the promised "iPods in rooms." If you got the cash, just hit up the vending machine and buy your own.

Zoom Systems aims to install 10,000 consumer electronics cending machines in airport and hotels within the next few years.

The way it works is just like your regular candy bar vending machine. You put in your money, select your iPod or other accessory on the touch-screen and the machine spits out your choice. No fumbling for correct change because the you can use your debit and credit cards.

Also being sold in the machines are "digital cameras, travel adaptors, noise-canceling headsets, and pre-paid phone cards."

Hilton Hotels seem to be kiosk-happy these days since a machine has been installed at the Las Vegas Hilton. Or perhaps Zoom thought their target demo of techie nerds would probably gather in flocks there for the Star Trek Experience.

Image via TechieDiva

Related Stories:
· iPod Vending Machines Land at Airports, Hotels [Information Week]
· Zoom Systems Offers iPod Vending Machines [TechieDiva]
· Hilton Prints Your Boarding Pass [HotelChatter]

2 Comments

  1. freecia

    HotelChatter Member
    April 14, 2006 at 10:30 PM




    Find them at SFO

    SFO (San Francisco) International has had these machines for over a year now.  I spotted the first one while picking up a friend in arrivals a year ago but also saw them in the departures lounge last month.  

    In the departures- One was filled with iPod stuff, the other was filled with audio books on disposable mp3 players.  "Getting Things Done" and "Angels and Demons" were two of the dozen+ titles.  iPod paraphernalia included the players themselves alongside chargers for those who already have an iPod.

    The arrivals area - snacks, some commonly forgotten toiletries, DVDs and Electronic Equipment.  I might have spotted a laptop charger in there, too.

    It seems like a smart way to carry more expensive items and commonly forgotten gear.

  1. markj

    HotelChatter
    April 17, 2006 at 3:07 PM




    If they carried...

    ...battery charges for the Canon Digital Elph S230 I would be their #1 customer.

    [ Parent ]

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