Each Apple Store display unit, be it an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, has (or will soon have) an accompanying iPad 2 by its side. The companion tablet displays information about the product, as well as pricing, and includes a tab for summoning an in-store customer service rep.

The below, taken yesterday by Engadget at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in New York City, shows how the iPads are used to provide product information.

So what do Apple customers think of the iPad kiosks? It's a bit early to tell, of course, but early responses on message boards are mixed.

Some commenters point out the cruel irony of Apple Stores filled with display iPads--but stocking only a few that customers can buy and take home that day.

"Imagine walking into an Apple Store wanting to buy an iPad 2, only to be turned away for a couple weeks and having to walk past all those iPad 2s being used to give you a price, details, and comparisons," writes reader "KrakaJap." "I, for one, would be rather annoyed."