Review: The Audrey Internet appliance

	GALLERY
Some of Audrey's features

In this story: 'Channeling' the Web Drawbacks RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Dorian Barrett
CNNdotCOM

(CNN) -- She's smart ... she's cute ... she giggles when she's "turned-on." She's Audrey -- a stylish eight-and-a-half-inch-tall Internet appliance. She is lightweight, with simple features and compared to some home Internet devices, easy to set-up.

Audrey debuted as the first in 3Com's "Ergo" line of "lifestyle-centered" connected appliances in October of last year. ("Ergo" is the Latin term for "therefore.") It was designed as an alternative or addition to the home computer, with a focus on simple Internet access.

"The Audrey experience allows consumers to spend less time with technology and more time doing the things they really want to do," said Don Fotsch, vice president and general manager of 3Com's Internet Appliance Division.

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The product sports an address book. You can keep track of plans, appointments and special events on the family calendar. Audrey can also be synchronized with two personal digital assistants to keep track of data when you're away from home.

3Com's Audrey also provides Internet access with ease. Web connection is provided through a built-in V.90 56K modem or via an Ethernet adapter permitting the use of Cable or DSL connections.

'Channeling' the Web

You can access 13 preset channels via the "tuning knob" at the bottom of the device. Turning the selector knob lets you scroll through channels at the bottom of the screen -- including Digitalcity and Food.com -- Web sites specially customized for Audrey users. 3Com says that new channels will regularly become available. As partnerships are made with 3Com, Audrey will supply users more specialized content. Quick purchases may also be made as Audrey allows you to punch in and securely store your credit card and shipping information. This enables customers to order a pizza or buy the latest CD from their favorite artist at the turn of a dial.

E-mail access is as easy as the touch of a button. If desired, attach a snapshot of a Web page, "scribble," record, type and send a message with a tap of the stylus. When not in use, the clear stylus stores neatly in a specialized slot in the top of Audrey. The stylus also flashes neon-green, alerting you to an appointment or incoming e-mail.

Audrey allows you to access email, check your calendar and surf the net

Audrey also contains built-in stereo speakers, audio outputs, built-in microphone and two USB ports. And for an additional price, you can coordinate Audrey with the rest of your house. The color's include ocean, meadow, sunshine, linen and slate.

Drawbacks

There are many cute and convenient features to Audrey, but there are also some drawbacks to this Netpliance. Yes, Internet access is an attribute, but you cannot view a whole Web page -- that requires a horizontal scroll. The tiny screen uses a 640-by-480 pixel display as opposed to the standard 800-pixel-wide Web page.

And accessing your e-mail is simple, but Audrey only lets you set up one e-mail address from which to send.

The remote keyboard stores neatly on the back of the device when not in use, but the keyboard itself is almost too small for easy typing.

The little product is definitely eye candy, but the excitement could melt quickly. The $500 price tag may be a little steep, but Audrey definitely has potential.

CNNdotCOM Correspondent Natalie Pawelski contributed to this report.

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