(Click here for a larger view of IBM's AnyPlace Checkout kiosk)

The AnyPlace Checkout solution is based on WEPOS and IBM's CHEC (CHeckout Environment for Consumer-service) software. The software could run on any of IBM's point-of-sale systems, but IBM highlights a newly introduced, 15-inch version of its AnyPlace Kiosk product line as being a key part of the solution. As demonstrated at right, this device can serve customers in florist departments, delis, pharmacies, and other space-constrained environments.

The 15-inch AnyPlace Kiosk has a flat-panel touchscreen display with 1024 x 768 resolution. It is supplied either in a 3xx entry-level model, with a 2.0GHz Via C7-D processor, or a 5xx "performance" version that is available with 1.8GHz AMD processors -- either the Sempron 3500+ or the AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56.

The 3xx system has 512MB of RAM, expandable to 2GB, and a 80GB hard disk drive. The 5xx system has 512MB of RAM, expandable to 4GB, and either 80GB or 160GB hard drives. Both, naturally, are available with three-track MSRs (magnetic stripe readers) and either line or omnidirectional barcode readers. The 5xx also accepts an 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking module and a 4GB flash drive.


The AnyPlace Checkout solution, with barcode and magnetic stripe readers
(Click to enlarge)

Features and specifications listed by IBM for the AnyPlace Checkout system include:

• Processor:
  • 2.0GHz Via C7-D processor (3xx systems)
    
  • 1.8GHz AMD Sempron 3500+ or 1.8GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56 (5xx systems)
• Memory -- 512GB standard, expandable to 2GB (3xx) or 4GB (5xx)
  
• Display -- 15-inch touchscreen display with 1024 x 768 resolution
  
• Storage -- 80GB hard disk drive (3xx and 5xx), 160GB hard disk drive (5xx only)
  
• Networking -- gigabit Ethernet (5xx), 10/100 Ethernet (3xx)
  
• Other I/O:
  • 5 x USB 2.0
    
  • 2 x RS232
    
  • dedicated MSR and barcode scanner ports
    
  • 1 x headphone (3xx), 2 x headphone (5xx)
    
  • 1 x microphone
• Expansion -- 4GB flash disk (5xx only)
  
• Dimensions -- 14.5 x 12.8 x 2.9 inches
  
• Weight -- 13.9 pounds (3xx), 14.2 pounds (5xx)
  
• Power consumption -- 40W typical, 120W maximum

Microsoft's Windows Embedded for Point of Service, first introduced in 2005, is a "retail-optimized" flavor of Windows XP Embedded. It aims to simplify development and deployment of POS systems, and to reduce maintenance and upgrade costs, according to Microsoft.

IBM's AnyPlace Checkout Kiosk is available now. Pricing was not disclosed.

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