“Unbowed by the failure of a bare-bones computer five years
ago, Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison unveiled a $199 Internet machine
yesterday targeted at the education and consumer markets.“
“Unlike a personal computer, the device lacks a hard drive.
Users who connect it to the Internet will be able to check e-mail
and surf the Web.”
“Ellison, helped by retired Gen. Colin Powell, former chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, unveiled the machine before an
audience of students at a performing-arts high school in
Dallas.”
“The machine, named the NIC, runs on a Linux operating system,
has a 266-megahertz microprocessor, 64 megabytes of memory, a 56K
modem and 24-times CD-ROM drive. Monitors are not included.”