Until now, the Apple Stores have used Windows CE-based handheld computers to check out your purchases. The convenience of not having to queue at a counter to pay meant that Steve Jobs has doubtless spent the last few years squirming that his company relied on a Microsoft product. Store staff weren’t too happy either. According to Apple Insider, “the system has drawn complaints from employees about software crashes, sluggish operation and the need to frequently reboot”

Now that the iPod Touch can run applications that interface with add-on hardware, everything has changed. The new payment system uses an iPod in a hard plastic case which can scan barcodes and swipe credit cards. This is married to an application called EasyPay Touch, which will process cards, issue returns and even let you buy and activate an iPhone on the plan of your choice. If the Apple employee hits the “cash” button, a register drawer will open somewhere in the store in which to deposit the filthy lucre (participating stores only).

What about signing for your purchase? The grand irony is tha