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INTERNET APPLIANCE MAY GET IT RIGHT

Unlike a personal computer that can be used for a wide variety of applications, an "Internet appliance" is an electronic device that's strictly designed to give its user access to online services such as email and web browsing. Yet the Internet appliance has had trouble with consumer acceptance. Most companies who have produced first generation models have either had to scrap them, while others have gone out of business.

The Internet appliance market targets specific users such as those who aren't interested for whatever reasons in learning Windows or the Mac OS to just go online. Since a typical Internet appliance costs under $500, their value makes them appealing to anyone unable to justify the price of a computer. And those that would like online access in additional rooms such as the kitchen will find them attractive since they're small and lack the clutter of a PC.

One of the newer contenders is receiving high marks from users. The Audrey offers many desirable features. First and foremost, it's offered, backed and supported by 3Com, an industry leader in networking and telecommunications equipment. Sporting one serial and two USB ports, you can attach and synchronize two Palms to the Audrey at one time. Optional color printers from Canon are also available. Audrey comes with a wireless keyboard that fits neatly into the unit's wire stand that extends from its back placing it in an easy to read 45 degree angle. In place of a mouse, a clear stylus sticks out from the top of the screen and is used on Audrey's touch sensitive screen. The stylus also acts as an indicator by flashing to indicate you have new email waiting to be read. I think the stylus adds to Audrey's retro styling as well as making it look really cute. Pressing a single button displays new email.

One large knob just under the 6 1/4 by 4 3/4 inch color screen looks and feels like a TV channel selector (you can feel distinctive clicks as you turn it) and is used to access Internet channels. These channels act like bookmarks and can be set to most any web site or portal the user desires. Audrey has built-in stereo speakers and a microphone. Currently, Audrey supports formats like RealAudio so that users can listen to streaming audio such as live radio broadcasts across the street and from around the world along with other archived sources on the Internet. Macromedia Flash is also supported so you can see and hear many of the Internet's animated web sites. Audrey's built in microphone currently is used with email. You can record and then attach the recording to an email you send. Anyone receiving the email can instantly hear the recording. Using the stylus, users can even write notes to be emailed in their own handwriting directly on Audrey's screen.

Audrey includes a built-in 56k modem. An optional Ethernet adapter makes it ideal for hookup to faster ADSL or cable modem services. Audrey's setup is fairly simple. After answering a few questions, you are provided Internet access via AT&T WorldNet. Or you can supply your own Internet service provider if you like. One particularly nice feature is that Audrey constantly checks 3Com for updates to its operating system. So as newer features and abilities become available, your Audrey will be automatically upgraded at no cost.

Available in five different colors, the white (linen) version sells for $499. The other colors (Slate, Ocean, Sunshine, Meadow) go for $549. Go figure.

3Com
www.3com.com