The growth of e-business is dependent on everyone having easy and fast access to the Internet. Internet appliances offer this opportunity for users who do not need or want a full-blown PC.
The Internet Appliance market "is three to five times today's computer market," according to Patrick Lin, managing director of Acer Australia. Lin is predicting Internet devices will be on everyone's Christmas list by the end of next year, "every store will have them," he said.
In development for six years, Acer has announced a range of Internet appliances including a colour PDA and pad device, with two more products to be launched by the end of the year.
Lin says the time is right for these now "because the platforms of the Internet and Windows CE has become more stable".
The first device from Acer is called i-Phone, a phone station with a screen and keyboard. The i-Phone takes two phone lines for simultaneous Internet and telephone access. The Web browser has built-in Windows CE with integrated voice messaging and e-mail with a PC Card socket for future smartcard applications.
Available in July for around AU$1,000, Acer is currently negotiating a deal with a partner to distribute the phones.
The second Internet appliance is the i-Station, billed by Acer as a "home information and entertainment system".
Resembling a notebook with a flexible screen and keyboard, the i-Station features full Internet access with a DVD player and an MP3 player. "It won't replace the home PC, but it is an attractive alternative for some," Lin said.
Available around September, the i-Station will retail relatively cheaply for around AU$700.
Lin says Acer is leading the way in launching these products that will set the standard for the industry. Other OEMs will follow suit, "they'd be crazy not to," he said.
The IA devices will comprise one third of the company's revenues in Australia next year, Lin predicts. But he is quick to point out that its PC business will not suffer. In fact, the "brand awareness will help PC sales," he said.
The final two devices are a handheld device and PDA. The portable Webpad offers Internet access with a touch screen. It communicates by radio within 50 metres of its base station, has a touch panel, hand writing recognition and a smart card slot.
The SlimMate PDA offers fully functioning e-mail and Internet access as a "PC companion device," Lin said. It will come with access to wireless Bluetooth technology.
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