Phantom inks $1.3 million in funding to do more nothing

There's just no way to celebrate the ushering in of a new CEO than to ink a loan agreement worth some $1.3 million, right? Just a day after Phantom Entertainment's, um, head honcho, stepped aside and gave the reigns of the vaporware wagon to Greg Koler, the outfit has now announced that it will be using the newfound fundage to "manufacture product lines this year with Alienware and IONE Technologies." We know, it's hard to stifle the chuckling, but apparently Phantom really believes that this time will be different, as it's busting out radical plans to "initiate marketing, sales, and distribution of the Phantom Lapboard." We'd feel sorry for the lenders, but they should have known better.

[andrew @ Jul 10th 2007 1:51PM]

What if they mention Alienware strictly because they want to license their ideas to them and maybe Alienware can reach into Dell's deep pockets to do something about it. Alienware does have their gamer network that they've built quietly. It might be a way for Alienware to jump more mainstream.

[MrFuNKy @ Jul 10th 2007 1:51PM]

I wish they would just disappear already.
Also, who the hell would be stupid enough to even buy any product they make.

[Kurt @ Jul 10th 2007 2:59PM]

My boss.

[derek @ Jul 10th 2007 1:53PM]

do people just get dumber?

[Joshua @ Jul 10th 2007 1:56PM]

Every time I read about Phantom I just think of that tech demo I watched on TechTV.

Then I laugh a lot because while I can understand how the system could fail that lapboard (at the time) should be easy enough to produce.

How much more money do you make by not producing a product than selling something that people might actually want?

[wslcrew @ Jul 10th 2007 2:01PM]

Gosh... again?

[brad @ Jul 10th 2007 1:59PM]

phantom = riaa in cloak

[Matt @ Jul 10th 2007 2:01PM]

Could they have a more apropos name?

[Eric @ Jul 10th 2007 2:02PM]

Remember back when they first announced the system?

And then when the cut it down to just a keyboard?

At this point, who actually wants what they're selling, and who's actually going to pay the huge pricetag is has to make up for the years of inactivity?

[gerbick @ Jul 10th 2007 2:09PM]

How does these people keep getting funding!?

[Ant @ Jul 10th 2007 2:20PM]

im in the wrong business.i need to be a working somewhere i get funding for doing 0 work.WHERE WAS THIS CLASS IN SCHOOL?!

[Frankenstein Black @ Jul 10th 2007 2:24PM]

Phantom, LOL :^O... The "Duke Nukem Forever" of Hardware!!

[FermitTheKrog @ Jul 10th 2007 2:48PM]

P.T. Barnum was right.

[BandB @ Jul 10th 2007 2:58PM]

I just ordered one. Along with my perpetual motion energy generator and MPG fuel optimizer. I was so happy with my home-made jet pack that I could resist.

[QBOX2006 @ Jul 10th 2007 3:15PM]

Don't forget the flux capacitor. I just ordered 3. :D

[Dan @ Jul 10th 2007 3:15PM]

Does HardOCP need to smash a lapboard on stage as well?

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Jul 10th 2007 3:23PM]

Are they still kicking the dead body???

Though, random thought of Nintendo DS/Wii compatible console can make me rumble. Or even better - PS3 compatible console with BluRay for ... $300. And I'm sold.

LOL.

[Eric @ Jul 10th 2007 4:09PM]

Has anyone ordered one? The lapboard is on their website for $129.95, and they don't say a ship date, so it looks like they should ship within a few days of your order.

There's also nothing that says that it hasn't been released... they say "order," not "preorder."

[mk @ Jul 10th 2007 4:12PM]

The lapboard actually looks really cool, but how in the world are they still money from anyone? The idea of their gaming service is pretty much nothing new now (gametap, direct2drive, classic game dl on consoles).

[dglaz @ Jul 10th 2007 5:46PM]

The should sell t-shirts

[shawn @ Jul 10th 2007 6:23PM]

according to their site....

Save $30.00 (USD) On First Arrivals Of The Phantom® Lapboard. You can save $30 by ordering a Phantom Lapboard before shipping begins this November. Use coupon code GOPHANTOM at checkout!

Looks like they are not shipping till November....

[roach @ Jul 11th 2007 7:49AM]

i find it hilarious that the device is named "phantom" it totally fits the vaporware side of the technology.

[Kiteless @ Jul 10th 2007 6:56PM]

Gaaaah! COme on guys! Get that lapboard out! I want it, I will pay for it. Eoo Can Doo Eeeet!

- K

[Roflgoat @ Jul 10th 2007 11:38PM]

Lapboard? Is that like a laptop but with only the keyboard.

[CaptCaveman @ Jul 11th 2007 2:26AM]

This just in. Their stock just rose from .00002 to .00004.
All of you that were long on stock this one just hit pay dirt!