A reader suggested that I write a column on Internet Appliances. Not being a fan of them, I warned her that the column might not be very positive. However, she encouraged me to write it anyhow, and so...
The term "Internet Appliance" (IA) is used to describe a type of computer that is intended to be used to only access the Internet. Examples are the Compaq "iPAQ" or 3Com "Audrey". Although they have screens, keyboards, mice, etc. they cannot be used to run programs as a normal PC would. They are, in effect, a web browser program packed into a consumer hardware package. The term "appliance" implies that these products are just as easy to use as your dishwasher or refrigerator, and just as convenient. In theory, they require less maintenance and care than a normal PC, and in a sense this is correct. Also, in theory, they will be cheaper than a regular PC.
The basic idea is this: You just buy this thing, open the box, plug it into an a/c outlet and a phone line, turn it on, answer a few simple questions, and voila! you are on the Internet.
But in practice, the idea isn't working. Many manufacturers who had or planned Internet Appliances have withdrawn them from the marketplace. In my mind, it was a solution looking for a problem.
Let's look at a few points. First of all, the most major problem with IAs is that the programming in them is fixed. This means that the Internet browser program inside cannot be changed. You can't choose which browser you want to use (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, etc.) and it is very difficult to update that internal browser when the Internet itself changes. If, for example, a new type of streaming video becomes available and your IA doesn't support that format, you are stuck.
Second, you must use the Internet Service Provider that comes with the IA - you cannot choose. Since most ISPs don't have local phone numbers here in the Southport area, that is a major and potentially costly problem.
Third is price. Although the IA usually has a smaller screen (and smaller hard drive, if any) it is still a computer, and the cost of manufacturing such a product is still significant. If you could buy a real computer for $800 or less these days, why buy a limited IA and get a smaller screen and less function? To me, this doesn't make sense.
The only reason for buying the IA is the aspect of lower maintenance and fuss. This is probably true, but there is nothing inherent about an IA that makes it more maintenance free, except that IT DOESN'T DO MUCH! It's easy to make something easy to use and maintain if it only does a couple of things. A hand screwdriver is much cheaper and easier to use than a power screwdriver and doesn't require you to charge batteries. But it doesn't do the same job!
Another distinct set of IAs doesn't look like computers at all. They are meant to hang on your refrigerator door or to prop on your kitchen counter like a cookbook. The day may come when you need Internet access in your kitchen, or a way to put digital pictures on your refrigerator door, but I don't think the world is ready just yet.
(Bob Seidel is a local computer consultant in the Southport / Oak Island area. You can visit his website at www.bobseidel.com or e-mail him at bsc@bobseidel.com).