Plugged in While You’re Killing Time
Restaurants. Airports. Movie theaters. People gather there and do one thing: wait.
Entertainment Systems Technology, a small computer manufacturer in Huntington Beach, sees that down time as a prime chance to entertain--and sell--to the bored. Its product is the FunPad, a cool little portable computer that lets people kill time by playing games and watching movie previews.
The lightweight wireless machine looks like a fat book and is powered by a larger computer situated near a waiting area. The device has a video game controller and various buttons along the side. A miniature video camera is built in, allowing for videoconferencing with other time wasters.
It also has a miniature printer that will allow people to check out local movie times and buy and print the tickets, said Entertainment Systems founder Ron Goodwin.
Security devices are installed in emergency exit signs to make sure patrons don’t “accidentally” walk off with one. The company is negotiating with “about 17 restaurant chains, as well as hospitals and several airlines who are interested in the FunPad,” said Goodwin, the firm’s chief executive.
The machines were recently installed at TGI Friday’s in Costa Mesa and Rancho Santa Margarita, where restaurant staffers say customers are still getting used to the idea of a “fun” wait.
