Today, Lili wanted to go for ribs to Chili's, to my surprise and delight, all tables were equipped with 7 inch tablets which is definitely something I have not seen yet int he chain restaurant. Each tablet is wrapped in a hard plastic case on the sturdy metal stand, a tiny printer is attached on the back of the device. Stylus is hanging in the springy cord, magnetic card swipe is on the slide. I assume there is a hefty battery included as the device stays on and unconnected the whole day. The whole package is really neat.
The devices seem to really get the attention of Chili's patrons, as almost everyone was toying with the new gadgets which made the wait for the food more pleasant, especially for the kids.
The menu options, graphics and interaction is nothing to write home about as the tablet is extremly slow (under-powered) and uses resistive screen which prevents swipes.
The checkout process does the job very well and it is definitely the precursor of that will be adopted in all self-respecting places. The signature capture is spotty at best, but the tipping is made super easy with the percentage slider-gauge widget.
The waiters was not sure if we actually paid until, I guess, she went to the register, so there should be visual indication that the process was completed, until the waiter resets it upon patrons' departure.
Finally, I would gently stop games within few minutes of the checkout as I noticed a young couple playing "Marble Matrix" for good 30 minutes after they finished despite a long waiting period and visible annoyance of the waitress.
I applause Chili's & "Tabletop Media, LLC" for being innovative and hope the rest of industry caches on soon.
The devices seem to really get the attention of Chili's patrons, as almost everyone was toying with the new gadgets which made the wait for the food more pleasant, especially for the kids.
The menu options, graphics and interaction is nothing to write home about as the tablet is extremly slow (under-powered) and uses resistive screen which prevents swipes.
The checkout process does the job very well and it is definitely the precursor of that will be adopted in all self-respecting places. The signature capture is spotty at best, but the tipping is made super easy with the percentage slider-gauge widget.
The waiters was not sure if we actually paid until, I guess, she went to the register, so there should be visual indication that the process was completed, until the waiter resets it upon patrons' departure.
Finally, I would gently stop games within few minutes of the checkout as I noticed a young couple playing "Marble Matrix" for good 30 minutes after they finished despite a long waiting period and visible annoyance of the waitress.
I applause Chili's & "Tabletop Media, LLC" for being innovative and hope the rest of industry caches on soon.
