(Click here for a larger view of the Tabletop device)
The Tabletop device is not designed to remove a waiter from the loop entirely, though having the hardware take orders would no doubt be technically feasible. Instead, its pre-meal features include displaying specials -- which can be changed according to the time of day -- plus movie times, weather, and traffic information.
Customers can interact with the wireless device using its touchscreen, retrieving product information such as nutritional data. They can also use it to view movie trailers and purchase tickets at nearby theaters. Once they're through eating, diners can summon up a check whenever they wish. They can then pay by credit, debit, or gift cards using the device's card reader. Cash payment is still possible too, but requires the unit to summon a waiter.
Receipts can either be printed on the device's integral printer or emailed to a customer-specified address. The unit also makes it easy to split checks and compute tips, according to Tabletop. As a result of all this, customer satisfaction is improved, and tables become available for subsequent customers more quickly, the company claims.
The device's rotating stand incorporates a rack intended to hold sugar packets, and salt and pepper shakers. While Tabletop did not release hardware details, the device is based on Windows CE and the .NET Compact Framework. Additional Microsoft technologies employed are said to include Windows Server 2005, SQL Server 2005, and IIS (internet information services) 2.0.
No word was given as to pricing or when the device will be available nationally. However, it is currently being tested at Cozymel's Mexican Grill in Grapevine, Texas, and was reviewed by the
Dallas Morning News. Reviewer Victor Godinez wrote, "I was thrilled with the little gadget, and I hope it becomes as ubiquitous on restaurant tables as Sweet'N Low."
To read the review, see the
Dallas Morning News website,
here.
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