Gateway unveils touch screen web pad

Gateway has duly launched its consumer web pad in the US and confirmed that it plans to sell the system in Europe in the future.

Called the Gateway Connected Touch Pad, it is a web access appliance that is closely linked to America Online's (AOL's) internet service. Users interact with the system using either a stylus, the touch screen or a wireless keyboard, to gain access to a range of services such as AOL email, instant messaging and web channels.

The device, which is based on Transmeta's Crusoe processor and the Mobile Linux operating system, features home networking technology from Broadcom that allows the device to connect at broadband speeds to other equipment around the home using traditional phone lines.

It is designed for areas in the home where PCs are not usually installed, such as the kitchen, and features household-oriented applications such as common calendars, note pads for leaving messages for other household members, and address books.

Touch Pad can also hold centralised digital music files that can be accessed from other devices around the home using Broadcom's networking technology.

The device will be available in the US at the end of this month priced at $599. A Gateway spokesman confirmed the company plans to launch the appliance in Europe but declined to give a time scale.

The company also launched a music player device that can access music files stored on PCs. It can be connected to existing stereo systems or be used as a standalone appliance and is priced at $299.

The Touch Pad and music player are the first two of a series of home connected appliances that Gateway will launch next year. Among the products include a wireless web pad that will enable consumers to access the web from any room in the house, internet telephony devices, and a system that will enable consumers to watch digital-quality movies on any TV from a common library.

Gateway's announcements follow the recent unveiling of Compaq's Home Internet Appliance that is closely linked to Microsoft's MSN web service.

Analysts at consultancy, Zona Research, said: "We believe the Gateway/AOL device, like other current home internet appliances, suffers from technical tradeoffs and service lock-ins that will quickly become detriments as users become more aware of their choices for home internet devices. The battle today is for bragging rights, not serious consumer dollars."