New Internet Computer

The New Internet Computer (NIC) was a Linux-based internet appliance released July 6, 2000 by Larry Ellison's and Gina Smith's New Internet Computer Company. The system (without a monitor) sold for US$199.[1][2][3]

New Internet Computer (NIC)
ManufacturerNew Internet Computer Company
TypeInternet Appliance
Release dateJuly 6, 2000 (2000-07-06)
Introductory price$199[1]
DiscontinuedJune 2003 (2003-06)
Units soldLess than 50,000
Operating systemLinux
CPU266 MHz Cyrix MII
Memory64 MB RAM
Storage4 MB Flash Memory
Connectivity10 MBps Ethernet
56K Modem
Two USB 1.1 ports
Power60 Watt Power Supply
Online servicesNetZero

The NIC boots from a CD-ROM with a custom Linux distribution developed by Wim Coekaerts. It has no hard drive and no way to install additional software.[1] The system's only nonvolatile storage is 4 MB of flash memory.

Ellison planned to sell 5 million units the first year, but fewer than 50,000 units were sold. The company shut its doors in June 2003. PC World ranked the NIC as the ninth worst PC of all time.[1]

References

  1. Tynan, Dan. The 10 Worst PCs of All Time, PC World, March 19, 2007
  2. Biersdorfer, J.D. (28 September 2000). "Internet Appliance Eliminates Hard Drive". New York Times. New York Times. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  3. "CNET's Smith to head Ellison's new firm". American Cities Business Journals. BizJournals.com. 7 February 2000. Retrieved 4 July 2017.


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