kiosk

A boxlike unit that stands on its own and has a computer and monitor for public display. It works through a touch-screen (or built-in keyboard and pointing device) and allows customers to interact with it and make selections.

Commonly seen in airports and tourist venues (to provide information on hotels, restaurants, or public transportation, for example), they are also popular at trade shows and in some retail stores. Many in-store kiosks link shoppers to a Web site where they can browse for items that are not physically located in the store. Kiosks also provide salespeople with more information, such as product specs, warranty info, and pricing comparisons, and they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.