The 2001 International CES is highly focused on work style and lifestyle in a very big way. Upon arriving, I noticed that the show "complex" (Las Vegas Convention Center, Hilton Hotel and Riviera Hotel) was enormous. It appears that every square foot of usable space, both the inside and the outside of these buildings is being used for something. Huge portable buildings ("tents") are everywhere. The parking lot that was used for the Mercedes Benz test drive area at Comdex, is now completely filled with temporary structures. Over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit area is bristling with over 1,800 international companies. This year, all the exhibits are within reasonable walking distance since the Sands Convention Center is not being used.

The latest products in categories such as computers, audio and video, wireless communications, home networking, Internet connectivity, mobile electronics, satellite and broadband delivery systems are pervasive. Exhibits and conferences are tightly integrated within 25 product areas and 12 new technology pavilions. Some of these areas include Bluetooth, 1394 (Firewire), DSL (digital subscriber line), Automotive, Digital Imaging, e-Commerce, Emerging Technologies, Home Security, IDB (Intelligent Data Bus), MP3 Audio and In-Home technology.

Copyright © 2001 Jim Bennett and Rick Smith All rights reserved.