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(COMTEX) B: Internet Appliances Put Pressure On PC Market
B: Internet Appliances Put Pressure On PC Market
Jul 16, 1999 (Tech Web - CMP via COMTEX) -- Even as PC prices continue
on a rapid downward course, a new crop of Internet appliances in the
offing is aimed at cashing in on growing consumer interest in the Web,
and is threatening to cut into PC sales.
However, before the appliances -- devices meant to give users instant
access to the Internet and some limited computing functionality -- hit
the market, PC vendors are cutting deals with ISPs to make their own
Internet splash.
Retailers, gearing up for the back-to-school selling season, have begun
offering PCs priced anywhere from $599 to $99 to free with ISP rebates.
Among the more notable deals is a $99 eMachines system from Micro
Center (the price includes a $300 rebate from the Microsoft Network for
an extended service contract).
Also getting into the act will be Compaq and its new ISP, Compaq.Net.
Sources in the retail market said Compaq will likely offer system
discounts of up to $400 off with its service. A Compaq spokeswoman
declined to comment.
Furthermore, Prodigy late last month began teaming up with Best Buy to
offer its own discounts. In on.......>> |
