A decade after devices like 3Com's Audrey and the Netpliance I-Opener came and went, a new crop of devices is fulfilling their vision of creating a world filled with Net-connected gadgets.
Ina Fried
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley.
The Chumby One is a versatile Internet media receiver that can do everything from check local weather to wake you up in the morning; it is also the heir apparent to the Internet appliance vision that spawned the Audrey and Netpliance I-Opener a decade ago.
It features a 3.5-inch touch screen, a USB 2.0 port, 3.5mm audio output, and retails at around $99.
2 of 6 Insignia
Insignia Infocast
With a built-in Wi-Fi connection, the Insignia Infocast ($169) quickly accesses Web content like Pandora Internet radio, Facebook, and The Weather Channel and more than 1,500 applications from Chumby industries--all available without a subscription fee.
3 of 6 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
The game console as Net appliance
Though game consoles aren't traditionally thought of as Internet appliances, the PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360 all take advantage of the Internet for both Web video and social-gaming features.
4 of 6 Panasonic
WebTV's descendents
Internet-connected TVs, such as the Panasonic Vieracast model seen here, are the modern day reincarnation of earlier visions like Microsoft's WebTV (later MSN TV).
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Google TV
Google has its own take on the Net-connected television. Dubbed Google TV, it is set to debut later this year on devices like this Logitech set-top box (left) and televisions from Sony (right).
6 of 6 John P. Falcone/CNET
HP's DreamScreen
HP's take on the modern Internet appliance is the DreamScreen, an LCD display that combines a digital photo frame with the ability to get videos, Internet radio, and other content from the Web.
