| 摘要 |
Methods, articles, signals, and systems are provided for facilitating the selection, location, rental, and purchase of video cassettes and other entertainment modules, and other point of sale items. One version of a novel hand-held device (510) includes a bar code scanner (600) and a database of reviews. When the user scans the bar code on an item, reviews of the item ar e displayed on the hand-held device (510). Another version adds database searc h capability, so the user can search for related reviews to learn more about a given item or identify other items of interest, using the scanned item as a starting point. A third version of the hand-held device (510) omits the scanner (600) and provides a database of reviews, together with item availability and location information. Methods of the invention include uses of hand-held devices by retailers and by consumers to help consumers learn more about an item at the point in time and space where a purchase decision is often made, and to do so without requiring direct assistance from a salesperson.
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