Acorn joins rush for Internet boxes

Acorn Computer plans to enter its NetStation to expanding Internet box race.

Mike Ricciuti Staff writer, CNET News

Mike Ricciuti joined CNET in 1996. He is now CNET News' Boston-based executive editor and east coast bureau chief, serving as department editor for business technology and software covered by CNET News, Reviews, and Download.com. E-mail Mike.

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Mike Ricciuti

June 19, 1996 9:00 a.m. PT

Acorn Computer, joining a long and growing list of companies entering the network computer race, said it will ship its Acorn NetStation in October.

NetStation will sell for $618 and will use a standard television set to broadcast video. Users will be able to surf the Web using a remote-control handset with the system, which uses an ARM microprocessor.

Several other makers this week launched their own versions of the Internet box, a device designed primarily for Net access and affordability.Acer Acer unveiled a $500 box yesterday, and on Monday, Wyse Technology rolled out a $500 terminal, along with a plan to let users rent software by the hour.

A slew of companies are planning launch Internet boxes throughout the year, including Apple Computer, HDS Network Systems, IBM, Sun River Data Systems, and Diba.