Audrey uses
the QNX operating system, mixed with elements of the Palm operating
system, allowing the device to sync directly to up to two Palm or
Handspring handhelds.
"One way to think of this is the Palm of the home," said Julie Shimer,
vice president of 3Com's consumer business. "We want to deliver an
enjoyable Internet experience in the nerve center of the home. In most
homes, that's the kitchen."
Although Audrey can go in a living room, it is designed with the
kitchen in mind. The unit, which comes in colors like linen and sunshine,
is somewhat spill-resistant. Its outer case has a finish that can be
cleaned with a sponge, although the green, scrubby side should probably be
avoided. The touch screen, however, should be cleaned with products aimed
at computers.
Analysts praised some of Audrey's innovations but questioned the high
price tag.
"They've got the right idea," said Bryan Ma, an analyst with market
researcher IDC. "They're going after the early adopters, and it's more
than just Web browsing."
However, Dataquest analyst Martin Reynolds said Monday that current
Internet appliances cost as much as a cheap PC without offering a
compelling reason to buy them.
"The kind of things we're seeing just don't do it yet," he said.
Audrey had several cameos before Tuesday's launch, including a brief,
inadvertent appearance
on 3Com's Web site. Audrey was originally due out last month, but its
arrival was delayed
shortly before a planned launch.
Santa Clara, Calif.-based 3Com isn't alone in its efforts to launch Net
appliances. Microsoft has its MSN-based Web Companions. America Online and
Gateway plan to ship a kitchen countertop unit this year. And Netpliance,
Honeywell and others have their own versions of a Web-browsing device.
3Com said Audrey 
customers can keep their
existing Internet service providers and email addresses, or they can set
up an account with AT&T WorldNet service.
Audrey is aimed at people who are quick to scoop up the latest
technology and who probably already have their own Internet access.
"It would be a barrier to entry for an Internet appliance to require a
year or two or three of Internet service," Shimer said.
Audrey owners can type email using a small, infrared keyboard, scribble
a hand-written note directly onto Audrey's screen using a stylus, or
record a voice message. The appliance is powered by National
Semiconductor's Geode processor and comes with a built-in 56K modem and
speakers.
People who have a cable modem or a digital subscriber line can use an
Audrey-specific Ethernet adapter to tie into the high-speed connection.
Because Audrey can sync with up to two Palm-based handhelds, Ma said,
the unit will initially appeal most to Palm or Handspring owners. Future
Ergo appliances may support the use of three or more handhelds, Shimer
said.
The unit comes in five colors that would make Martha Stewart proud:
slate, ocean, sunshine, meadow and linen.
The product can be ordered online beginning Tuesday and will show
up on store shelves later this month.
Retailers include the usual suspects such as Best Buy and CompUSA,
Shimer said. In a more unusual twist, Shimer said Bloomingdale's will sell
it as well.
"They see this market the way we do: Style matters."
