NBC TODAY: Internet Appliances

There's a new generation of appliances on the market that do not cook or clean. Instead, these nifty devices send and receive email and surf the Internet. BestStuff.com's Corey Greenberg will be on the NBC TODAY Show January 30th showing the latest Internet Appliances. Here is a preview:


3Com Audrey
Featuring 5 different color options and ISP friendly access (Audrey supports AT&T Worldnet, MindSpring, Earthlink,and Prodigy. There is not a designated service contract unlike other Internet appliances on the market). If consumers don't have an ISP and want to sign up, they can sign up for an AT&T account on Audrey for 150 hours per month for roughly $15/mo. Audrey is a family organizer/Internet appliance that looks great in the kitchen. Audrey's best feature is it allows up to two Palm pilots or Handspring Visors to synch with it. The family can view everyone's schedule/phone list on screen simultaneously and even write scribble notes on its touch screen with its pen that resides in a blowhole on top. Audrey comes with a wireless keyboard that mounts on the back for easy storage. Other features include a channel dial for web site surfing. The bad news: It's pricey at $500, and unless you have some degree of computer experience, it's not the best bet for the first time user. Decorators will love it. It has a 56K modem, Ethernet adapter and USB adapters for printers. Audrey costs $499. For color versions, she's $549. www.3Com.com




Gateway Connected Touch Pad Internet Appliance
Gateway Computer has partnered with AOL to create its Gateway Connected Touch Pad Internet Appliance. You must be an AOL subscriber (no extra monthly fee) or subscribe to AOL for $21/mo to use this touch pad appliance. The Gateway device has a unique stand that mounts either under the counter or standalone. Its touch screen makes for handy navigation and it also has voice recognition software for email --you talk, it types. Wireless keyboard and built-in speakers are included. AOL is still the easiest online service for beginning computer users. Pricey at $499. USB for printer, and Ethernet adapter for high-speed modem also included. www.gateway.com




Compaq iPAQ IA-2 Internet Appliance
The best deal to date on an Internet appliance is without a doubt Compaq's iPAQ IA-2. Available only at Radio Shack, buy this appliance for $499 and get a $400 rebate from MSN (agree to three years of service at $22/Month), also get a $100 rebate from Compaq -- so it's free-kind of. Includes built-in speakers, a bigger keyboard than other devices, 56K modem, USB connectivity and a mouse as well. www.compaq.com




Sony e-Villa
Featuring a vertical Trinitron screen (the same screen used in Sony TVs), Sony's e-Villa Internet appliance will come bundled with a Sony branded ISP (Internet Service Provider) for $500-plus about $20/mo service fees. Without a doubt the best screen on the market, the e Villa also features a memory stick slot and USB connectivity. The e-Villa is more focused on audio and video than other devices. It will have speakers and its display will allow you to see full resolution photographs, videos and digital still pictures. Available in March. www.sony.com




La-Z-Boy Explorer
Further proof that Bill Gates "Microsoft Anywhere" strategy should be taken literally is this recliner equipped with a Microsoft WebTV device that allows you to surf the web and email on your TV from the comfort of your easy chair. Flip open the recliner's arm, and out pops a wireless keyboard that communicates with a set top box connected to your TV. The recliner comes with a built-in AC adapter/surge protector, a high speed Internet cable port (for laptop connection), and a phone line adapter. $1050 for curtain like fabric, $1,400 for leather-- 2mo's free WebTV included $21.95/mo after that. www.lazboy.com