We recently posted on Apple’s upcoming plan to replace the Windows CE-Based EasyPay handhelds hey use in Apple retail stores with a new system that is iPod Touch-based. AppleInsider has an exclusive sneak peak of the new units. As they explain…

Perhaps more significantly, the change to an iPod touch and Apple software will bring the entire point-of-sale (POS) system under Apple’s control. In addition, the system will have the added benefit of advertising the usefulness of the iPod touch to customers who see it being used right in front of them.

More images and a few thoughts follow…

The system looks amazing. Larry pointed out that it looks a whole lot like In-Case’s PowerSlider In-Case.

The unit looks slick and will likely be a whole lot faster and more reliable than the system it replaces.

To my mind, the most important aspect of the new system is that it is one of the first units to make serious use of iPhone OS 3.1′s ability to accept and use external accessories.

For more information jump over to AppleInsider.