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We all scream?

Ben & Jerry's uses its Web site to promote its annual ice cream giveaway.

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Jeff Pelline Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Jeff Pelline is editor of CNET News.com. Jeff promises to buy a Toyota Prius once hybrid cars are allowed in the carpool lane with solo drivers.
Jeff Pelline
Nowadays you not only can get free PCs through the Web, you can get free ice cream--or at least find out about it.

Ice cream retailer Ben and Jerry's Homemade is promoting an ice cream giveaway--a yearly ritual--on its Web site. "Get ready, get set . . . get in line!" the site reads, adding, "April 27th is 'free cone day' at Ben & Jerry's scoop shops coast to coast. It's all on the house, Tuesday from 12 noon until 8 p.m."

You have to go to the "brick-and-mortar" outlet to eat it, however. But the Web site helps, directing users to "scoop shop locations."

Like a surging number of retailers--from booksellers to computer makers--Ben and Jerry's Web site is e-commerce-friendly. It offers ice cream by mail (six pints, overnight shipping for $64.95), a store (a Cherry Garcia T-shirt for $20)--and free e-cards. Customers can order online or by phone or fax.

Ben & Jerry's isn't the only ice cream Web site. Baskin Robbins, for example, has a Web site that offers information about its products, history, and "birthday club," where children can qualify for a free ice-cream cone on their birthday. But alas, you cannot order any ice cream online.

Brook Furey contributed to this report.