On the one hand, technology companies can get some pretty good exposure at Comdex. Comdex is the place where manufacturers show their latest and greatest. But vendors and visitors say it has become increasingly difficult to get any business done at the sprawling conference. Companies routinely question whether it's worth it to shell out all that money and time. Comdex opened its doors 21 years ago as a place for computer makers, distributors and retailers to shake hands.
Hands continue to shake.
Comdex seems to be losing part of its raison d'etre. If that is indeed happening, nobody has thought to tell the attendees. The show has become a human traffic jam. Upstairs in hotel suites, though, customers and companies continue to hash out deals. A Global Positioning System satellite sends the details to a car's radio, which speaks to them, says President Chet Huber.