New ways to surf the web.(Technology Preview)

The Internet is quickly changing from a gee-whiz novelty to an everyday necessity--an information utility as ubiquitous as electric power and natural gas. But before an Internet lifestyle can become universal, new services as well as existing Internet sites will need to be available quickly and easily--something that isn't possible with a desktop computer and a conventional dial-up modem connection.

In the months ahead, you'll encounter a growing number of "Internet appliances"--computerlike devices designed strictly for things like web access and e-mail. They're aimed at two very different audiences: one, people who don't want a full-fledged computer; and two, people who already have at least one computer and either don't need another for just a few tasks or want something smaller or more mobile.

The first wave of these appliances has already hit the market, and we've put several through their paces. Although too soon to know which specific products will survive, it is possible to spot interesting trends in design, ease of use, and value.

Compaq Ipaq IA-1, $599.

Aimed squarely at people with no computer, the Ipaq is made just for web surfing and e-mail. It's about the size of a toaster oven, with a 10.1-inch color display, diminutive keyboard, and quarter-sized pointing device. You can attach a mouse and printer or plug in external speakers. It also has a PC card slot.

For novices, the Ipaq can provide a suitable way to handle e-mail and light web surfing. But the Ipaq is no computer, despite its price. It has no disk storage or hard drive for downloading files and archiving e-mails (you'd have to forward them to a real computer). The keyboard has no Delete key, and the browser won't let you bookmark more than 30 web sites. The Ipaq also doesn't deliver some very useful services, including RealNetworks' streaming audio and video.

The Ipaq is very easy to use. It automatically connects to the Microsoft Network (MSN) when you turn it on, checks incoming e-mail at night, and lights up when you receive mail. You can't read or compose e-mail unless you're online, but you can check your e-mail from another computer. Web surfing is simple. The Ipaq's home page has news, plus links to sports, travel, and shopping pages--generally at Microsoft sites. But you can also access sites not affiliated with Microsoft.