Santa Ana Company Honored at Comdex

Beating out such industry titans as Sony and Hewlett-Packard, a Santa Ana computer company in November took home top honors at Comdex in Las Vegas, one of the biggest computer trade shows in the world.

Aqcess Technologies’ Qbe (pronounced “cube”), a lightweight, wireless personal computer shaped like a tablet, won PC Week’s “Best of Comdex Award” in the desktop, mobile and hand-held device category.

“It’s given us a tremendous boost in the marketplace and makes people stand up and take notice,” said Jon-Erik Prichard, Aqcess’ president.

Slightly larger than a yellow legal pad, the Qbe can be used anywhere. It features instant Internet access and a built-in digital camera. The company, which says it has pre-sold 12,000 units, believes the product will become especially popular among consultants, salespeople and students.

Computer stores will begin selling the Qbe in early February, and computer distributor Ingram Micro Inc. also will offer the personal computer tablet online. The suggested retail price is $3,495.

Marc Ballon covers small business and entrepreneurial issues for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-7439 and at marc.ballon@latimes.com.