Digital pen makes old monitors touch-ready

LAS VEGAS — Many people who have tried Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system without a touch screen have hated it because of the inability to use touch and swipe commands. Now, a digital pen allows people to use Windows 8 on their old monitors for less than the cost of buying a new touch-enabled computer.

E Fun, a West Covina, Calif.-based company, has introduced the Apen Touch8, a cordless pen that works in tandem with an attachment that plugs into the Windows computer's USB port.

The attachment, really an infrared and ultrasonic receiver, clips magnetically to the side of the screen. The pen emits an infrared beam out of its tip. The receiver attachment sends the pen's signals to the computer, which interprets its precise location.

Pushing down on the pen results in a separate ultrasonic signal, which is equivalent to a touch screen sensing when you are touching it. Just like that, you can swipe and tap your way through Windows 8. The pen runs on a watch battery.

The pen is to go on sale in North America by the end of March for $80.