Accessing the Net without a computer - Brief Article

* Computers can be a pain. They're generally complicated, expensive creatures that demand you learn the ins and outs of an operating system, software, peripherals, Internet service providers, and the like. But an alternative is here: the information appliance, a compact, inexpensive, easy-to-use device that can sit comfortably in any room in your home and get you to the Internet, e-mail, or a service provider. Some market watchers predict that the number of these appliances in the United States will surpass the number of home computers by 2004.

The information (or Internet) appliance category is large and somewhat vague. It includes both mobile and stay-at-home products for sending and receiving e-mail, and accessing the Internet. The one requirement for information appliances is that they be as easy to use as refrigerators or washing machines. Indeed, such old-fashioned household appliances may soon all be Internet-enabled: Imagine a refrigerator programmed to dial an Internet grocery service and order more milk and eggs when you indicate--by pressing a key on the door--that the supply is getting low.

Information appliances are no longer future tech. Instead, they're pushing aside the computer and changing the way we live and connect. Below are some of the latest debuts.

Information appliances: Three of the latest gizmos

Netpliance I-opener

At last, here's an Internet and e-mail product I wouldn't be afraid to try on my nontechnical mother I-opener is an attractive device that can fit into the most rustic--or high-tech--setting. It's composed of a thin liquid crystal display (LCD; two-tones, not full color) panel set above a keyboard. Plug it into an outlet and a phone line, and voila--Internet access at 56K modem speed. For a purchase price of about $400, plus $21.95 a month for Internet service, Netpliance I-opener (www.netpliance.com) lets you send and receive e-mail, track stocks, get news and weather information, and wander the Web. There s even a key that you can program to summon your local pizzeria.

You can't use it to write the great American novel only certain files (such as images) can be down loaded, and only one printer, a Canon BJC-2000 Color Ink Jet Printer, will work with it, but this is a great way to get even the least technical person up on the Web.

Cidco MailStation

Cidco's MailStation is designed to offer convenient access to e-mail "without the hassle, expense, or technology experience needed to use a personal computer." The MailStation plugs into a standard phone jack. To retrieve e-mail, the user simply pushes the button marked "Get E-Mail." The device also provides users with local weather reports, TV listings, news headlines, stock updates, and horoscopes. Its downsides are lack of a color screen and inability to visit websites. The Cidco MailStation (www.cidco.com) costs $99.99, with a $9.95 monthly service fee.

Digital Picture Frame

Perhaps the most peculiar--and peculiarly fascinating--information appliance is Ceiva's digital picture frame. At first glance, it appears to be a 5- by 7-inch black wood picture frame, but turn it on and it becomes a kind of magic looking glass. The images in the frame change automatically as the color screen displays up to 10 pictures you've downloaded from your account at Ceiva. Or just keep one photo up on this electronic shrine, which you can keep lit all day and night. It plugs into a phone line and wall outlet.

You can add new images to your account by uploading them from your personal computer to Ceiva's website. They might be pictures e-mailed to you--say, photos of your grandchildren--or shots you've uploaded yourself from a digital camera or scanner. Ceiva's digital picture frame (www.ceiva.com) is $249, plus 79 a year or $7.99 per month for one year of local connection service.

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