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Hardware Review
Created: September, 2000
Small business owners work long hours, especially in the early
years, but that doesn't mean the cottage has to be off limits.
It just means you have to outfit your hideaway with the amenities
of the city office.
But how do you do that cost effectively? If you just want to
stay on top of your e-mail and do a little Web research, Netpliance's
i-opener Web appliance might be the solution.
The device provides access to the World Wide Web and e-mail
for a fraction of the price of a lap-top or desk-top computer.
What's dramatic about the i-opener is that it comes out of the
box ready to plug into a power outlet and a phone line. It comes
complete with a modem, a keyboard with a mouse pad and a passive
matrix color LCD (liquid crystal display) screen.
It costs an affordable $399 US. Canadians are out of luck for
now, this device is available for use only in the United States.
Installation is truly a snap. When you order it, you give Netpliance
the phone number and zip code it will dial from. Once out of
the box, you are on line in moments. No configuration is necessary.
If you later move, you can change the dial-up configuration
from a Preferences panel.
The device is designed for homes without a computer, so it comes
pre-programmed with Web sites divided by category -- news, sports,
entertainment, finance and shopping.
You can also access any Web site on the Internet through an
option bar at the bottom of the screen. The Web browser built
into the device supports most features built into Netscape Navigator
and Microsoft Internet Explorer, including 128-bit encryption
for secure transactions.
It does not support the ability to download plug-ins, use Java
or Shockwave applets. Viewing video is also not possible. The
system does support RealAudio 5.0 streaming technology, so Internet
radio can be heard on the device's built-in speakers.
Instant Messaging features aren't available, either. The i-opener's
mail has its own interface with areas for e-mail drafts, sending
mail and an address book.
Netpliance's developers have tended to a variety of clever details.
The screen's font size, for example, has four settings so those
with weak eyes can enlarge the type.
They have also included a printer port and integrated on-screen-printing
controls so that a separately sold printer can be added. You
can't change the printer drivers, so this is the only printer
you can use with this device.
The pre-programmed Web sites are conveniently available by tapping
designated keys on the keyboard. For those late nights, there's
even a pizza key that will connect you with an order page for
a pizza restaurant in your area. In the test unit, Papa John's
Pizza popped up.
The system is built on a Linux platform. That's a free expert
operating system that has been adopted by many hobbyists and
is making its way to the mainstream through devices like the
i-opener. Netpliance has done its homework and has made Linux
invisible to the user. Thanks to Linux's stability, you'll never
see this system crash.
The system connects to the Internet on its own periodically
to get news, weather and information updates. It also updates
its onboard programming this way.
The device tends to connect frequently, however, which is annoying
because it ties up the phone line. There is no way to limit
this. There are settings to make the device abort a dial-up
if someone is on a voice call, but it still interrupts with
audible clicks. It is also supposed to hang up if it detects
a call waiting tone, so that an incoming call isn't missed.
This didn't work on the test unit. Netpliance does say it won't
work in all areas.
The dial-up connection is also pokey. Those spoiled by faster
Internet connections will bemoan the 56-kilobit-per-second on-board
modem. It won't work with a high-speed Internet service, but
that can't be far away. Despite the ups and downs of the i-opener,
it is an impressive piece of gear, given its remarkable price,
simple design and clever feature set.
Reviewer's rating: 4 / 5
Comments: The Netpliance i-opener Internet appliance
is a cost-effective Internet device, ideal for staying in touch
at the cottage or as a secondary Internet device in the office,
if it is connected to a fax line. It is currently available
only in the U.S.
More info: http://www.netpliance.com
Price: $399 US. Monthly Internet subscription: $21.95
US. Optional USB mouse kit: $19.95 US. Optional Canon BJC 2115
printer $99.95 US
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