Net Appliances Do The Job For Surfing And E-Mail The devices don't have hard drives, are smaller than personal computers and are easier to use.(A)

By Nancy Gondo

Investor's Business Daily

Growing numbers of people are finding they don't need a full-fledged personal computer just to check e-mail and surf the Web.

They're eschewing complex PC specifications like RAM, ROM and megahertz and opting for a new breed of Internet appliances. These are smaller, simpler devices built just to get users online.

Internet appliances often look like small PCs, complete with a color monitorand keyboard. Unlike PCs, there's no need to fuss with installing software or hardware. Like TVs and radios, there's not much of a learning curve to get started.

That means all the software you need to send or read e-mails and get online are hardwired into the memory. Internet appliances don't have to be booted up. Just turn them on and you're online.

Since there's no hard drive or bulky hardware, Internet appliances typicallyhave a smaller footprint. They can fit in small nooks anywhere in your house, so long as there is a power outlet and phone jack.