The gory of history of pen computing is summarized here (with links):
http://users.erols.com/rwservices/biblio.html
We'll have to check out where this Apple patent application is going:
http://gizmodo.com/5402971/apples-ne...d-tablet-input
It seems to be of a software nature.
Wacom makes wonderful devices. I wish I could afford their top of the line Cintiq display/pad. Until the recent upsurge in pen computing and touchpad use for the consumer, I wasn't particularly interested in the technology. Now I am. Especially in the cost, which I hope will be lowered through the proliferation of the technology.