The world's first flash memory vending machine has today been installed at London Gatwick Airport's North Terminal, proving that these days, gadget folks will put just about anything in an easily-accessible glass case. The vending machine movement was started of course with the iPod vending machines and has clearly evolved into other electronics.
According to the Inquirer, the flash drive vending machine will give out Kingston Memory's SD cards, CompactFlash cards and DataTraveler USB drives and other bits and bobs to travelers wandering through airports.
According to media reports, one of the iPod machines at the Atlanta, Ga. airport pulls in about $55,000 a month in gross sales. Business Traveler Service, which operates the Zoom machines in the Atlanta airport, says they haven't found any customer resistance to using a credit card to buy a $300 iPod from the machines.
Camilla Skovgaard
Issa
Moschino Cheap & Chic
You can buy ipod's from a vending machine at the Metreon here in San Francisco.
Has a slot for credit cards I think...
1Indeed you can. One time I stood there for like 10 minutes waiting for someone to buy one. They didn't, but it was a fun adventure.
2We have a very similar vending machine here at the University of York in England. It's in the library and it sells ethernet cables, etc. To be honest, if I'm in the library, I'd rather have a vending machine full of Haribo gummi bears and Cadbury chocolate than overpriced flash drives and computer accessories!!!
3Great idea in an airport though, for all those people who either think they could do with an extra one in case they take too many photos or the ones who realise they've forgotten theirs altogether!
4Andy Budd points out one problem with the vending machine -- if you're waiting for a flight, and you buy a flash drive, how are you going to get it open when airport security's taken away your scissors?
5That's strange. In a airport I don't need a flash memory card.
Maybe I would buy a wireless card if mine is dead.
I am afraid when I buy a coke in a vending machine. I will never buy an Ipod
6I have seen these before. I dont need a flash memory card.
7In regards to the scissors comment, either use scissors before boarding or just buy some scissors when you get there, or is that too obvious?
I think this type of machine is far more beneficial than a machine full of junk food personally.
8I think it's great, as long as it takes credit cards. Heck, I wish soda machines took credit cards.
9So cool - convenient.
10I would buy one from a vending machine just because I could. LOL.
11I love it, you never know when you might need another flash drive!
12This is a great idea, I would so buy a flash drive from one of these.
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