If the techies hate the AOL-Netscape deal, it must be good for us

Article Abstract:

America Online's (AOL) Nov 1998 acquisition of Netscape alarms some Silicon Valley observers, but the deal may benefit mainstream consumers by making the Internet more accessible and challenging Microsoft's influence. A more important consequence involves the possible development of more user-friendly information appliances that would outperform modern PCs in reaching the Internet and handling E-mail. These future products could deploy the Java programming language developed by Sun Microsystems, which reached a separate technology-and-sales agreement with AOL. Another key part of the new alliance is that AOL considers itself more of a service company than a technology company. AOL, the most successful Internet company with perhaps 40% of the US Internet traffic, has understood that technology merely drives its online business. Netscape, by comparison, has focused on cutting-edge technology. Both AOL and Netscape can help one another by combining their strengths.

United States, Prepackaged software, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Asset sales & divestitures, Acquisitions & mergers, Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Facilities & equipment, Telegraph & other communications, Alliances, partnerships, Usage, Computer software industry, Computer industry, Software industry, Software, Product development, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Internet, Internet service providers, Company acquisition/merger, America Online Inc., AOL, Online information services, Internet service provider, Sun Microsystems Inc., SUNW, Licensing agreements, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP

---

RCA challenges WebTV in the race to link TV and Net

Article Abstract:

RCA's RCA Network Computer set-top Internet box lacks the quality of market leader WebTV and does not comply with WebTV's latest features. The RCA Network Computer marks the first consumer product based on a design from Oracle's Network Computer division. Installation is simple, and NetChannel provides an Internet service that has some advantages over Sony's and Philips' original WebTV. Subscribers must pay an additional $19.95 monthly fee for unlimited Internet use. One drawback to the RCA Network Computer is price, as WebTV has lowered its price to become more competitive. Another problem is the expected Nov 1997 release of WebTV Plus from Sony, Philips and Mitsubishi. WebTV will cost a maximum $299 and offer many features that the RCA Network Computer cannot match. The RCA Network Computer costs $349 for the main model that contains a universal remote control and a wireless keyboard, plus $299 for a version that operates a wire that connects the TV and user.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, Network computer, Information appliances, Hardware single product review, Set-top boxes (Television), Set-top boxes, Set-top internet box, RCA Corp., RCA NC (Network computer)

---

The fall crop of PCs packs lots of power at attractive prices

Article Abstract:

It is a good time to buy a low-cost PC, with many excellent products being offered in the $800 to $1,300 range. Powerful, full-function brand-name machines are now available, capable of surfing the Internet or running almost any program needed in the home or by a small-business owner. Shoppers considering a Windows PC should examine the following key specifications: the processor, memory, the L2 cache, the hard disk, the modem, the video system, the monitor, audio, a Zip drive, DVD and USB. For example, the processor should run at 300MHz or more. Intel's new Celeron chip is similar to a Pentium II, and the one can be substituted for the other. However, the 300MHz Celeron model, which is slower than its ratings have implied, should be avoided. The 333MHz model or the 300MHz model labeled '300a' are recommended.

Analog Computers, Purchasing, Microcomputers, Buyers Guide, Hardware buyers' guide, X86 processors, Intel-compatible system, x86 compatible computers, Pentium II-based system, Pentium II based computers

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: America Online agrees to licensing pact with Netscape, join marketing efforts. Microsoft seeking to derail AOL talks with Netscape; at same time, Netscape said to try for an alliance with CompuServe Inc
• Abstracts: America Online agrees to licensing pact with Netscape, join marketing efforts. part 2 AOL and CUC extend alliance to marketing
• Abstracts: Software flaw allows viruses within E-mail. Netscape and Microsoft are cleared on exports. New Netscape software flaw is discovered
• Abstracts: Watch 800 companies stuff themselves into one phone booth; in the long-distance market, lean and mean just gets the door open
• Abstracts: Rival to make $150 million investment. An industry and its founders grow up. Growing compatibility issue: computers and user privacy

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.