Abstract: A touch-sensitive and far-field or proximity sensitive touchpad combined with a display, wherein the touchpad is formed as a touchstrip that is concealed inside the display, wherein a first function or interface such as a menu is enabled when an actuating device reaches a threshold distance from the touchpad, wherein a second function or interface is enabled when the actuating device makes contact with the touchpad, and wherein the first function may or may not continue after contact is made with the touchpad.

Abstract: A game apparatus as an information processing apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU counts step counts on the basis of an acceleration signal from an acceleration sensor when cover closing information is received from a microcomputer in a state that the power source is turned on. Step count data corresponding to the step counts is stored in a memory within the microcomputer in a cluster for every first predetermined time (one hour). Furthermore, in a case that a first mode is set in a state that the power source of the game apparatus is turned on, the step count data stored in the memory is automatically saved in a NAND-type flash memory every time that a second predetermined time has elapsed before the first mode switches to a second mode, or before the power source of the game apparatus is turned off.

Abstract: A laser power control device, optical head and optical recording and/or reproducing apparatus to set and control the output power of laser light radiated from a plurality of laser sources. The laser power control device is provided with plural variable resistors associated with the plural laser sources, a photodetector unit associated with the plural laser sources, and a laser output stabilizing unit for controlling the laser light output power at a constant predetermined level. The resistance values of the variable resistors are set so that the output power of the laser light radiated from the laser sources is at the predetermined level.