Welcome to Pen-Based Computing

We would like to welcome you to the premier issue of Pen-Based Computing, The Journal of Stylus Systems. This publication starts on the ground floor, covering a technology in its infancy, but a technology that we feel will have an impact on computing similar in magnitude to the introduction one decade ago of the IBM PC. Pen-based computing represents a convergence of the most advanced technologies in virtually every discipline of computer engineering, from object-oriented software development to low-power flat panel displays to wireless networking and fax technology to miniaturized hard disks.

While the challenge of the 80’s was to bring the power of the mainframe to the desktop, the challenge of the 90’s is to bring the power of the desktop to the notebook. Pen-based computing will revolutionize the way people work on the road and on the job site much the way the personal computer revolutionized the way people work in the office. This is the challenge that we will cover in this publication.

Because of the early stage of development of this industry, Pen-Based Computing will begin as a quarterly journal. As commercial applications emerge early next year, we will begin publication on a monthly basis.

Pen-Based Computing will cover all aspects of stylus-based technology, including hardware, operating systems, development tools and techniques, end-user applications, and marketing trends. The editors of Pen-Based Computing are both technical journalists with years of experience covering computer technology. Nicholas Baran is former west coast bureau chief for BYTE Magazine and is currently editor of Baran’s Tech Letter, a newsletter covering the NeXT computer platform. He is also a consulting editor for BYTE and Mechanical Engineering Systems, an Auerbach Publication. Jon Erickson is currently editor-in-chief of Dr. Dobb’s Journal, the leading magazine for software developers. Erickson has held editorial positions at BYTE Magazine and Osborne McGraw-Hill Books and is author of numerous books on computers and other topics. Ray Valdes, a technical editor at Dr. Dobb’s Journal, is a contributing editor to Pen-Based Computing. Valdes has a strong background in computer programming and is involved in software development for pen-based systems.

The goal of this publication is to provide timely and valuable information on pen-based technology. We therefore strongly encourage developers and vendors of pen-based applications to contact us with information about their products. We also welcome article contributions from people working in the field of pen-based computing.