Click here to see the index of Craig's columns.

As the Internet continues to inform and connect more and more of the world's inhabitants, it's become apparent that access to the Internet has expanded beyond the computer. Today's pagers, cell phones, PDAs and other consumer electronic devices can access the Web and email services. You can even buy a car radio with Windows CE to go online. And we'll soon see common household appliances become Internet appliances or "Netpliances" such as refrigerators that access the Web for groceries.

But let's go back to the computer for a moment. There is software and hardware available to turn a computer into a sophisticated answering machine. But if a computer was required to answer your telephone and take messages, most of us would be using an answering service. Besides, would you hang around waiting for your answering machine to boot up? Answering machines are inexpensive, dedicated appliances and that's what most of us use. And since going online is only a small part of what a computer can do, why spend hundreds even thousands of dollars on a personal computer if all you want to do is surf the Net and get email?

Offering Internet and email functionality, WebTV was one of the first to offer a relatively inexpensive alternative to buying a full blown computer but it still costs a few hundred dollars and requires the use of a television set. Why doesn't someone make an inexpensive, dedicated and completely self-contained unit that's designed just for Internet and email functions? Someone has.

The i-opener from Netpliance, Inc., looks a lot like a desktop computer at first glance. It sports a 10 inch flat color screen and a full sized keyboard that tucks neatly underneath to save space. But a closer look lets you know that this isn't a personal computer. For starters, just turn it on and it's ready. No booting up Windows or any applications for this netpliance . It's own proprietary operating system and applications are all built in and instantly operational.

All of i-opener's applications such as its web browser and email client have been specially designed for the unit and are immediately accessible the moment your fingers hit the keys. This instant-on access ability makes the i-opener a practical way to get your online activities done in a routine manner. And just as an answering machine flashes a light to let you know you have messages waiting, the i-opener flashes its light to let you know that you have email. Of course, the i-opener has some limitations. At this time, you won't be able to access streaming audio, watch full motion videos or animations on Flash and Shockwave enabled web sites.

But I've saved the best part for last. The i-opener sells for 99 bucks. You must use Netpliance as your Internet Service Provider at $21.95 a month for a minimum of three months, however that rate is fairly competitive compared to most other Internet services and remember that they require you to provide your own computer. Other optional accessories available include a Canon color printer at $99.95 and a USB mouse at $19.95 (the i-opener keyboard has a built-in pointer device in lieu of the mouse).

Be careful that you read and fully understand the terms and conditions of sale. If you keep the i-opener longer than a month and if you don't use the service for at least three months, you may have to buy the i-opener for its manufacturer's list price of $499. But you should know if the i-opener is right for you long before the trial 30 day full refund period is up. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to go online, the i-opener just might prove to live up to its name.

Netpliance, Inc.
www.netplaince.com
(800) i-opener