Dreamcast cuts cost of Internet surfing and gaming

Sega UK plans to make its forthcoming Dreamcast games console an easy to use Web browser and email system.

The company has set up its own Web portal site, called Dreamarena, which can only be accessed by Dreamcast users. The console includes a telephone cable and a Dreamkey CD that automatically dials up the Dreamarena site and takes the user through a simple registration process.

"We believe that the Dreamcast will be the simplest way to get online, even easier than Apple's iMac," said a Sega spokesman. Each registered owner will receive four free '@uk.dreamcast' email addresses. The email system works the same as other Internet mail services, such as Hotmail.

"We are planning a USB Zip drive option for the Dreamcast, enabling emails to be saved locally,? said the spokesman.

From Dreamarena, Sega owners will be able to chat online, purchase games and hardware, read games related news and reviews, and surf the Web.

Next year Sega intends to start online gaming and tournaments over the Internet.

The Dreamcast's recommended retail price is £199. Adding a keyboard will cost another £19.99.