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Comment by pwim | Hacker News Reader

Why does this article consider the iPad in the first place? As the article points out, the device is too big and unwieldy in the first place. If you were to use an apple product, an iPod Touch is the first thing that pops into my mind.

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The iPad point of sale is the one making the news right now:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/04/27/the-ipad-pos-system-com...

I think the iPod Touch is too small to be effective as an order taking tool. Maybe something closer to a Nook size. After all, if you're a server and you need to take down kitchen instructions or find a drink fast, a slightly larger device is exponentially more useful. But in terms of weight and price point I think the iPod Touch is perfect.

Only because it lacks a stylus.

In at least a few places in Aus (Canberra Centre, Melb Airport, Elizabeth St Melb) I've seen ipod touch sized PDA's being used to take down orders at McDonalds.. (including special orders - they got my mcflurry + caramel topping down fine).

Maccas may have a slightly limited menu - but it's still pretty large compared to some restaurants.

McDonald's definitely does have a limited menu and with very limited customizations. I've worked at 17 restaurants (seriously, and I am aware of the jokes which could be made about this). Now imagine working at place where the customer says to you: "I'd like a martini, but dry, with 4 olives, shaken, and can I have Belvedere vodka? And not a chilled glass, please. And for my appetizer I'd like your asparagus soup, but without the croutons. And I'm allergic to garlic, so could I get that steak medium rare with extra crispy fries but without any garlic anywhere near it or I'll probably die? Thanks!" Now try that out on a PDA in real-time with a stylus. I've worked with those PDAs--Micros makes a good percentage of them--and I wasn't too impressed. But I'd like to code something better, on a better device.

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