“Still chasing his dream of a Microsoft-free computer, Oracle
chairman Larry Ellison today released the New Internet Computer, a
$199 Linux-based Internet appliance that follows through on his
vision of the network computer.”
“The unit, sold by Oracle spinoff New Internet Computer Co.
(NICC), lacks a hard drive or the Windows operating system from
arch-rival Microsoft. The sleek black unit is powered by a
Pentium-compatible chip from Cyrix, and its lone drive is a CD-ROM
that is used to run the Linux-based operating system.“
“The first 10 New Internet Computers are being auctioned as
individually numbered “limited editions” through Amazon.com, with a
certificate of authenticity signed by Ellison. Bids are already
stretching to $300, not counting a $59 shipping charge, for the
auction, which does not end for more than three days.”
“NICC said it plans to start selling the units next week from
its Web site. The company said in May that it would begin selling
the unit for the education market.”