This year my visit to COMDEX, the big Las Vegas computer show, was a little less stimulating than usual. Yet, while other journalists equated the show’s lack of exciting new gadgets to lack of innovation, I found a strong underlying current of advancement. While the developments touted at COMDEX might not have been gadgety or glitzy, many provide mainstream functionality that is sure to have a big effect on our lives in the future.
Take for example, the Tablet PC. This is a tablet sized computer that runs Microsoft’s newly announced Windows XP Tablet PC operating system. Several hardware manufacturers released their new versions of this handheld PC that allows a user to scribble handwritten notes on a touch screen. At first glance, the Tablet PC is unimpressive, and few average computer users will bite at these first renditions. Yet, when the kinks are worked out, and more software is available, these tablets are sure to impact your lives. At a Microsoft display, I saw a restaurant that is already using the Tablet PC to present their wine list to customers. An artist, who had never seen a Tablet PC before that day, drew my picture on the tablet and e-mailed it to me. Whether for business or personal use, the possibilities of the Tablet PC are truly endless. First renditions of the Tablet PC are currently available from Acer, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Nec, Toshiba, ViewSonic and others.
This COMDEX was similar to other recent technology shows with a focus on communications, networking, biometrics, and security. However, this year another interesting theme appeared: transportation. The Segway, a human transporter that looks like a scooter is really a breakthrough technology. It responds to your body in the same way that your own arms and legs respond to your mind. It only takes a minute or two to learn how to ride the Segway. This new transportation device is already being used in tests with the US Post office and others. While the current Amazon $5,000 price tag may keep the Segway out of your garage, it is poised to move into everyday use.
In another transportation-related trend, Mercedes Benz was at COMDEX showing off their new Pre-Safe system. The Preventative Occupant Protection can sense possible collisions in advance. This computerized system makes a variety of on the spot safety adjustments to protect passengers for an impact, should it occur. The system instantaneously closes sunroofs, rolls up windows, moves seats and tightens seatbelts. These and other safety systems will keep us all better protected while traveling in the future.
The proposed convergence of television and the computer made its usual appearance at COMDEX. But this year the appearance was a substantial one with the introduction of Windows XP Media Edition computers. Hewlett Packard and others showed off the hardware while Microsoft flaunted the software. These multimedia PCs will merge the television with the functionality of the computer. These cool computers have a simple uncluttered interface that will allow you to record television shows to your computer, integrate the viewing of photos, make listening to music a true digital experience, and make the productions and viewing of videos easy. The Media Edition PCs are already available. Gateway has even announced their Media Edition computer complete with a 42” Plasma TV.
COMDEX might not have had a lot of excitement, but the basic new technologies shown there this year are to be life changers.
