Within two weeks Apple stores will begin using a customized iPod touch to check out customers. AppleInsider has posted the first look at the new system.

Dubbed "EasyPay touch" the new system adds a magnetic stripe reader, advanced barcode scanner, and customized software to the iPod touch.

Apple's solution consists of a hard plastic, two-piece slip-on shell with a grip texture. The magstripe reader is tucked onto the back of the shell, and the barcode scanner is installed within the top of the device. Hidden inside the shell is a rechargeable battery to power the card reader and scanner. A set of four tiny lights on the back indicate the unit's state of battery charge.

Buttons on the side of the device connect through to the iPod touch, including the sleep and volume controls. A mini-USB connector connects to an AC battery charger. A large squeeze-button on the right side momentarily activates the barcode scanner.

You can read a very detailed explanation of system and its capabilities using the link below.

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