“While low-cost and “free” PCs proliferate, single-purpose
computing appliances are already threatening to take their
place.”
“Although PCs are fine general-purpose devices for performing
tasks such as word processing and accessing the Internet, some
users don’t require all the power they offer.”
“One of the first such appliance-type devices is the iToaster,
announced by Microworkz.com Corp. last month.
“The device, which lacks a floppy or CD-ROM drive, uses a
combination of Be Inc.’s BeOS and Linux as its operating system and
a simple icon-based GUI that helps users navigate the Web.”
“Other vendors, including Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ), have
plans to deliver similar devices…”