All of this has led a number of the machine's harshest critics to revise their opinions about the pen computer.

Other pen computers used traditional writing from left to right.

Parcels delivery is another area where pen computers could make a big impact.

Ask anyone who's had anything to do with pen computers and, unless they're trying to sell you one, they'll say the same thing.

And it once sold a tablet-size pen computer using yet another operating system software.

Apple is banking heavily on advanced handwriting-recognition software to make its Newton line of pen computers a hit when it comes out this year.

Eo, founded in 1991, has designed and is selling a pen computer that is also a cellular telephone.

Its advantage is that it will work with existing Windows programs as well as any new ones written specifically for pen computers.

The "personal digital assistant," or pen computer, was oversold in the early 1990's with flashy demonstrations based on an immature technology.

But it is unclear whether Pen Point can become a standard for pen computers.