iPod vending machine seems out of place at the supermarket

The airport placement makes total sense.

Ever been in an airport and realized that you've got nothing to take home to your kid or significant other, or to someone else special? That happens to me at least six times a year. There are late nights before a redeye flight that I would have killed for one of these machines.

I hope they bring them to Asia soon...

does the machine take quarters ? :) you could be there a while.

They have one of these machines at the Macy's Men's store in San Francisco's Union Square. In addition to the $199 and $249 Nanos, they've also got $399 iPods, and $249 PSPs... What the appeal is in buying your expensive portable electronics out of a vending machine is beyond me.

Oh, and the shelf at the bottom comes up to the level that the iPod, PSP, or accessory is sitting on, so the product doesn't fall from 4'

I haven't seen one of these out and about yet but the ipods dont fall down to the bottom of the machine to the little door for you to grab do they? That doesn't seem like a good idea if that's the way it works.

We have these venging machines here at the ATL airport and they dont make sense to me there either. Sure, you can buy an ipod before that long flight, but unless it comes with music already on it you are kinda SOL.

Yeah, good points Jan. Apple needs to consider protecting it's brand image here. Part of their appeal has always been exclusivity and user experience. What kind of experience is making your long awaited iPod purchase from a vending machine?