Internet appliances of yesteryear (photos)
For a brief moment in time back in 2000, the future was bright for a crop of PC alternatives known as Internet appliances. Here's a look back at those early Web-surfing gadgets.
Netpliance I-opener
The Netpliance I-Opener was one of the pioneers in a class of Web-surfing gadgets known as Internet appliances.
Though most such devices survived less than a year on the market, the vision of providing simpler and more specialized on-ramps to the Internet has largely been realized, albeit a decade later.
3Com's Audrey
Gateway AOL Touch Pad
Gateway's entry into the Net appliance segment was done in conjunction with Internet service provider AOL. The Touch Pad was built around a 10-inch flat-screen display and tied to AOL's service.
First shown in November 2000, it was officially discontinued in October 2001, but had been written off for dead months earlier.