HP and Compaq are thinking hard about information appliances. Apparently, Brian Halla is not crazy.
"You'd be better off with an appliance that is cheaper, smaller, and does the special-purpose job [that you're] doing," he said.
Platt's comments are more evidence that computer companies are seriously rethinking the utility of this aging paradigm. His disclaimer notwithstanding, all the largest PC vendors are anticipating significant changes in personal computing as users have known it for more than a decade.
Rod Schrock, senior vice president in charge of Compaq's consumer
products division, also indicated in discussions with CNET News.com at the Comdex computer show that he sees the same writing on the wall. Compaq is now looking at a number of specialized devices, he said, alluding to one kitchen appliance that could "handle personal finances, home shopping, and home video and voice mail." Prices would range from about $200 to below $1,000, he estimated. "You're going to see a whole lot of experimentation," Schrock added.
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