The Block, a hotel in Tahoe that apparently caters specifically to snowboarders, is offering Wi-Fi to customers that don't have laptops. Access Data Technologies is providing what it calls the iGenie, a "compact, portable Web tablet," in the Block's cyber cafe so that customers can use the Wi-Fi connection even if they don't have their own laptop or PDA. It looks like users will see advertising on the device in exchange for free Internet access.
VisionWorks Interactive is a marketing and distribution company that is putting this service together. It also has deals with Wayport and Surf and Sip.
It's a good idea to place computers in hot spots, but I'm not sure why this application requires a fancy user device. Seems that a regular laptop or desktop would do the trick.
I couldn't find the press release about this announcement online but VisonWorks Interactive and Access Data Technologies put the service together.