Multi-format content vending machines get all growed up

Spotted in Japan: vending machines that sell software, ebooks, and games for Palms and Pocket PCs. You just pick the one you want, select your preferred memory card format (CompactFlash, SD, or Memory Stick), and out pops a card with your software loaded up on it. It seems they're actually offering some compelling content, too—graphic novels, games and music that you may have actually heard of.  These aren't just random games and content, they're Lupin, Appleseed, and Dominion, all big names in the manga world.

[douglas @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

it would be cool if you could also stick a flash drive into these too. people are more likely to be carrying that around.

just a thought.

[rafe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

*sigh*

I know it's not ALL cool vending machines, robots and anime, but articles like this really make me want to live there.

/kicks the dirt
//grass is greener and all that

[Gabe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

Mmmmmmmm... PDA Contents! Let's get!

[Hooty @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

Nothing new, they had this in Japan 4 years ago when I was working there. The kiosks also print photos, sell music, have phone software, etc...

[burningOrange @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

wonder if the card you get is write-once read-many ? could it even be a rewriteable one ? *gasp*

[Mark H @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

Wake up Barnes and Noble! I hardly ever buy books on paper anymore and I don't want to subscribe to another crappy eBook web site. This machine would get my attention, so long as it's not DRM protected in a way that forces me to carry multiple cards around. I like to read and listen to music at the same time.

[HardwareLust @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

Mmmmmm...vending machines. More Japanese vending machine posts, please!

Rafe, I've lived there. You just can't imagine how cool it really is until you go and see it for yourself. I still miss it.

[freecia @ Dec 19th 2005 2:10AM]

Do they charge for the media stick, too, or do you supply your own? I've heard memory can be at least 40% more than what they charge in the states at Costco. Paying $7 for an ebook isn't bad, but no way would I pay $57 unless it came with 128MB of ebooks/songs.