Hardware, Ready to Wear

Today's computers can be desktops, laptops, or even palmtops. But are you ready for computer tank tops?

The merging of computers and clothing, odd as it sounds, is on the way. Levi Strauss is about to start selling wired jackets with integrated cell phones and MP3 players, and that's just the beginning. In a few years, computerized hats may be as common a sight as cell phones. (See "Future Watch: Digital Clothing, Fax Pens.")

Warmth, Music, and Conversation

This September, Levi Strauss will start selling the ICD+ line of jackets in Europe. Designed and built in collaboration with Philips Electronics, the four jackets will come with integrated MP3 players and cell phones. The jackets will sell for $600 and up--you can buy a cell phone, a portable MP3 player, and a jacket for a lot less than that.

What makes an ICD+ better than three separate pieces? Integration. The phone and player work together; get a call while you're listening to music, and Beethoven stops so you can carry on a conversation. The earphones and microphone are built into the collar. A single unified "remote" controls everything.

All these pieces can be unplugged and removed from the jacket, and the phone and player can be used separately. In fact, you'll have to remove the gizmos before washing the jacket, although Levi Strauss assures us that the wiring inside the jacket can withstand the rigors of a washing machine.

Initially, the ICD+ jackets will be available only in Europe. Versions for North America and Asia are under consideration. The companies are also considering more advanced versions, including Internet devices and perhaps full computers.

Meanwhile, IBM has developed a prototype of what it calls the IBM Wearable PC. Not so much a piece of clothing as an accessory, the Wearable PC comes with a processing unit that clips onto your belt and a tiny monitor that hangs from a headband about an inch from your eye (and you thought people driving with cell phones was dangerous). You'll manage input to this computer by voice or some sort of pointing device. (See "Wearable PCs Offer Function, Not Fashion.")

IBM doesn't have immediate plans for turning this prototype into a sellable product. Instead, Big Blue has licensed much of the technology to Xybernaut, a company that is already selling wearable computers.