• A Smart Sign next to a MacBook Air
  • Smart Sign selling an iPhone
  • Smart Signs from the side
  • iPads helping to sell iPads
  • Smart Signs next to iPads
  • Smart Sign next to an iMac
  • Smart Signs selling iPod touches
  • Tablet meet desktop
  • Smart Sign from the back
  • Deciding on rate plans
  • Calling for help on a Smart Sign
  • Smart Sign from the side
  • Even for the Shuffles...
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'Smart Signs' arrive at Apple stores (photos)

A Smart Sign next to a MacBook Air

Apple is making use of Smart Signs around its stores to help sell its products. The iPad-based displays contain information about the adjacent product and replace traditional paper signage.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Sign selling an iPhone

On smaller devices like the iPhone, the Smart Sign is now the docking mechanism to hold the device when it's not in a customer's hands.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Signs from the side

The Smart Sign matches the style of previous Apple Store signage, which was contained in clear acrylics.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

iPads helping to sell iPads

One place where Smart Signs look a bit out of place is next to iPads.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Signs next to iPads

Smart Signs have their home buttons disabled, so customers cannot accidentally quit out of the informational app.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Sign next to an iMac

A Smart Sign next to the much larger iMac.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Signs selling iPod touches

Apple is also using Smart Signs to help sell the iPod Touch.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Tablet meet desktop

A Smart Sign next to a Mac Mini, Apple's bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse computer.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Sign from the back

A single cable feeds out of the back of the Smart Sign base, feeding the unit power.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Deciding on rate plans

One of the advantages of using a digital device for signage is that the app can be used to calculate and update information. In this case, potential iPhone buyers can see what rate plans are available,and see the price adjust accordingly.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Calling for help on a Smart Sign

When a customer asks for help from a Smart Sign, it sends out an alert to Apple store employees, who can claim the request and get a map of where that customer is.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Smart Sign from the side

Apple is using its latest-generation iPad units for the Smart Signs.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

Even for the Shuffles...

Apple is using Smart Signs for even its least expensive products. In this case, that's the $49 iPod Shuffle.

Photo by: Josh Lowensohn/CNET

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