Sears to give iPads, iPods to employees in 450 stores

So now they're becoming the basic office tool? Even my kids pediatrician service has gone all ipod touch for patient charting. We live in interesting times.

They are using our iBackFlip case to make the iPad hands free. We've been working with them over the last 3 months on the roll out.

So when these salespeople all have iPads and iPhones, they're going to be even harder to find. I challenge anyone to go into any Sears or Nordstrom's now and try to find someone who is happy to help you.... go ahead, I'll wait...

I had a job interview with them a few weeks ago. The first half was spent with the typical interview questions ("What kind of animal would you describe yourself as?" "Describe in exactly 23 words, why we shouldn't hire you," etc). I was shocked when they spent the whole second half of the interview asking about my views on technology. Keep in mind, this wasn't anything special, just a generic sales associate position. They asked how I use tech in my personal life, in what rare situations I would opt to buy a product in store rather than online, and how frequently I help others to shop online. I thought these were trick questions or something. I didn't want to tell them that I only buy from Amazon, and that I think they'll be dead in 10 years. I guess it wasn't a trick. They also seemed happy when I explained what a big Apple fanboy I am.

Now there's a 20% (450/2200, assuming they aren't counting Kmart locations) that the retailer I chose to work for on a whim is going all Apple. On a side note, try searching the App store. For some reason they have dozens of iOS apps. (Somehow I can get by with one Amazon app...)

"Give" is not the operative word. These are not the personal property of the employees nor a gift.

They're basically replacing Windows Mobile and PalmOS devices as Point-Of-Sale PDAs. They're still tools and property of the store (Sears).