“With AOL in discussions with upstart PC maker Microworkz and
Gateway and others seeking to expand Internet services, the world
seems to be headed toward the “ISP-PC.”
“PC makers, desperate to diversify, and Internet service
providers, interested in preferential screen space, are on a
collision course that just may end up with these two types of
companies becoming one and the same thing.
“America Online, for instance, is in discussions with “free PC”
pioneer Microworkz about marketing AOL on its desktops, according
to Microworkz chief executive Rick Latman.
“The deals or potential deals are coming fast and furious.”
“Hardware, meanwhile, seems increasingly defined by its
communications functions. A number of companies are considering a
shift into Internet appliances. By definition, however, many of
these products exist only to provide connection to communication
services.
“Without service coming in, a set-top box is useless…”