Patent ID: 7701339

Claim:
A system for displaying an electronic item and providing promotional material about the electronic item on a graphic display in a commercial environment, the electronic item being located on a counter or other structure in the commercial environment to enable persons to approach and examine the electronic item thereat, said system comprising: an event sensor associated with the electronic item, said event sensor detecting the manipulation of, or approach of a user to, the electronic item, said event sensor being coupled to a monitoring and alarm apparatus and said event sensor emitting a sensor signal to said monitoring and alarm apparatus corresponding to the manipulation of, or approach of a user to, the electronic item; a product information device arranged to receive an activation signal from said monitoring and alarm apparatus when a user approaches or touches the electronic item at the counter or other structure, whereupon said product information device provides visual information relating to the electronic item; and wherein said monitoring and alarm apparatus comprises: a transmitter, arranged to automatically provide a wireless signal in the event that a person removes the electronic item from the vicinity of the counter or other structure; and a receiver located remotely of the counter or other structure, said receiver being arranged to receive said wireless signal to alert an authorized person of the removal of the electronic item from the vicinity of the counter or other structure; a tether physically securing the electronic item to the counter or other structure in the commercial environment to deter unauthorized removal of the electronic item from the counter or other structure, said tether comprising a power conductor and a sensor signal conductor, said power conductor and sensor signal conductor having ends that are contained within a power jack that couples to the electronic item for powering or charging the electronic item; and a cradle that holds the electronic item and which comprises members that releasably secure said power jack to the electronic item.