A table is provided which houses a computer system including a display, a
plurality of input and output devices, and one or more viewing
orientation controls. The display is provided within the frame of the
table in a substantially vertical alignment and under a flat surface
which is made of a transparent or translucent material, such as plastic.
The flat surface allows for viewing of the display from any seating
position at the table, and further may protect the display from any
fluids that may be spilled or sprayed onto the flat surface. The input
and output devices may be provided within enclosures which prevent damage
from fluids, yet still allow user access. The viewing orientation
controls allow a plurality of users to rotate the display or an image on
the display so that the image is oriented to a specific seating position.
The computer may be connected to a network system, such as the Internet,
so as to allow user interaction with a multitude of internal or external
data sources. A plurality of such tables may be further networked
together and controllable by a central server. Each table may accept the
input of coins, currency, credit cards, debit cards, financial account
identifiers and the like for making payments via the computer system. The
table is especially suited for use in a restaurant, a cafe, a pub and the
like so that patrons may dine while using the computer system.