Corp. All Rights Reserved. And while the limited devices are unlikely to replace the PC in your home office anytime soon, they just might work on a kitchen counter as a way to check e-mail during midnight icebox raids. Egil Juliussen, president of eTForecasts, expects a surge in IA sales in 2001.
Some manufacturers acknowledge the limitations of Internet appliances.
But he says the device's ability to synchronize schedules and other information from multiple handheld computers is a handy feature for small businesses. The Internet appliance market is still in flux, however, as various companies enter and exit the market. Yet, where Netpliance has failed, other companies have entered the fray with differentiating devices. 3Com says Audrey stands out from the competition because it allows you to choose your own Internet service provider. ViewSonic will release a line of Internet appliances in early 2001.