SlashGear JapanModern day geeks no longer need to use pocket-protectors as they are more likely to carry some sort of tiny mobile computing device than a front pocket full of pens. But interestingly, NEC has developed a concept called the P-ISM “pen-style personal networking gadget package,” which consists of five pens each with a unique function that work together to create virtual computing on the go. This package feels very double-O, but half super spy, half super geek, and will definitely fill that front pocket back up sans the pocket protector.
One pen acts as a cellular phone with handwriting data input capability, the second pen functions as a camera scanner, the third pen can project a virtual QWERTY keyboard, the fourth pen can project a display screen , and the fifth can function as a peronal ID key with cashless pass function. The pens are connected with one another through short-range wireless technology and the whole set is connected to the Internet via the cellular phone function.
NEC confirmed its sale of Packard Bell to Lap Shun Hui, the co-founder of PC Maker eMachines, which was acquired by Gateway in 2004. NEC will sell Packard Bell for roughly US$87 million. Packard Bell used to be one of the main players as PC Maker in the mid 90’s; its success was short-lived as it built a poor reputation of terrible technical support and product quality. Packard Bell was pulled out from the North America market but is still afloat in the European market.
