3Com unveils Audrey home internet device

3Com has launched an internet appliance designed for the kitchen or living room which includes one-touch access to email, internet channels, a household calendar, address book and Palm Hot Sync technology.

Audrey, the first of 3Com's Ergo line of lifestyle-centred appliances, is a trapezoid-shaped web tablet that comes with an 8in touch screen. Audrey works with multiple internet services and features a built-in V.90 56K modem and an Ethernet adapter for cable or DSL (digital subscriber line) access.

Don Fotsch, vice-president and general manager of 3Com's Internet Appliance Division, said the company wants to remove the complexity associated with accessing information on the internet. "Just like flipping a light switch or turning on the radio, simply turn Audrey's dial and the information is there," he said.

Audrey arrives out of the box with the basic channels ABCNews.com, AccuWeather.com, ESPN.com, CBSMarketWatch.com and Mr Showbiz. In addition, basic channels for personal information such as local weather or stock quotes can be customised, said 3Com. Audrey comes in five colours: ocean, meadow, sunshine, linen and slate.

Two USB ports on Audrey are also available to connect a bubble jet printer from Canon. Future channels will include Beauty.com, CyberBills.com, drugstore.com, etown.com and Groceryworks.com, among others.

According to researcher Cahners In-Stat, the five-year growth rate for total worldwide non-mobile internet appliances is 73 per cent. Joyce Putscher, director of In-Stat's consumer and convergence group, said: "Audrey is very user-friendly, while the dial gives it a 'familiar' feel to a TV or radio."

Putscher added that Audrey's note scribbling feature is as easy to use as a blank piece of paper.

The appliance is 3Com's second internet-ready device, following its Kerbango internet radio with built-in speakers.