Dot-com Darwinism

Audrey was the first to debut in 3Com's "Ergo" line of "lifestyle-centered" connected appliances

In this story: Internet Ads Amazon.com Baseball online RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Diane Hawkins-Cox
CNN

(CNN) -- Audrey, the Internet appliance that "giggles" when you turn it on, has had its last laugh. 3-Com is ending production of the device. It had been on the market for only five months. The company will continue to support Audrey, which combines Internet, e-mail and calendar functions. But it doesn't do much else, and for the $500 retail price, consumers apparently want something more.

Internet Ads

The trend toward bigger ads on the Internet is coming to Salon.com.

The news and entertainment Web site, like so many other sites, is struggling for profits. But in a "Dear Reader" letter, Salon offers relief ... for a price. Starting in April, $30 a year will get readers an ad-free site and unspecified "bonus" features.

Presumably, readers with disposable income would opt for the ad-less service. Observers are curious about what Salon advertisers think about this.

Amazon.com

Possible good news from the granddaddy of e-commerce: In an appearance on CNBC, Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos said he stands by earlier statements that the company expects to make an operating profit by the end of the year. But he also said, "It's not a guarantee." Amazon is also looking for more partnerships, like its current alliance with the Toys-R-Us Web site.

Baseball online

Baseball fans will now have to pay up if they want to hear "batter up" on the Web. The boys of summer have been airing on local radio station sites for free. But starting this month, you'll have to pay 10 bucks for the season, and go to Real.com or MLB.com, thanks to a deal between Major League Baseball and RealNetworks.

Before you start crying "foul," you should know it costs $30 to hear the NBA on the Net.

Review: The Audrey Internet appliance
March 10, 2001
3Com's Audrey: Feed me data
December 27, 2000
Comdex wrap-up: Net appliances, wireless and widgets
November 17, 2000

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