WebPC

The WebPC was a short-lived personal computer designed by Dell Computer for the consumer market. The computer was designed to make it easy for home users to connect to the Internet. A small form factor machine, the WebPC was an early system in a class known as "legacy-free PCs".

Specifications and price

The system was originally introduced in 1999. Available in prices ranging from $999 through $2,399 USDMichael Kanellos, [http://news.com.com/2100-1040-233640.html Dell consumer PC shows focus on the Net] , "C|Net News", November 30, 1999.] . Its cheapest configuration was a 433-MHz Intel Celeron processor, Microsoft Windows 98, 64MB of system RAM, a 4GB hard disk, a 15-inch CRT monitor, a year's worth of Internet service and a Hewlett-Packard printer for $999 USD. In a move remotely mimicking the iMac, Dell also offered the WebPC in different colors, however the colors only were accents on the case; the majority of the case remained black.

In 2000, Dell offered upgraded models of the WebPC, featuring processors up to a Pentium III at 600MHz, 10/100 Ethernet built in (previous models included only a 56K modem), a bundled flat panel display, and larger hard disks up to 20GB. [ [http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2000/2000_03_16_rr_000?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=biz Dell Lowers Prices and Adds Features to WebPC] , www.dell.com News, March 16, 2000]

The system's case was extremely compact. The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive was a laptop-type unit with a custom bezel, but its internal IDE hard disk was a standard 3.5" drive.The system also made use of MiniPCI, another standard typically found on laptop computers, for its communications card. It did however use standard SDRAM modules for memory. The case measured only 6 inches wide, 10.7 inches high, 10.1 inches deep and weighed a maximum of about 12 pounds [http://webevents.broadcast.com/dell/webpc/factSheet.asp Dell WebPC Fact Sheet] , www.dell.com, Press package for the Dell WebPC] . It also featured a unique "e-support" button that caused the computer to run diagnostic tests and also allowed quick access to online technical support..

Legacy-free PC

The computer was an early entry into a class of systems known as legacy-free. According to Dell [http://webevents.broadcast.com/dell/webpc/faq.asp WebPC FAQ] , www.dell.com] , "Legacy free refers to the absence of serial, parallel and PS/2 ports, as well as any DOS capability. Legacy free refers to the use of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports as a means to attach peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, printer, etc., to a computer." While lacking legacy ports does not automatically make a computer incompatible with DOS, the lack of these ports can make DOS more challenging to use. The system does feature USB Legacy emulation for the USB keyboard and mouse, so it is still possible to access the system BIOS or use DOS to perform basic diagnostic and repair tasks.

Discontinuation

In July 2000, Dell discontinued production of the WebPCMichael Kanellos and Joe Wilcox, [http://news.com.com/Dell+withdraws+sleek+consumer+PC+line/2100-1040_3-242929.html Dell withdraws sleek consumer PC line] , "C|Net News", July 10, 2000] . WebPC computers are rarely seen today, however they have been known to appear on eBay.

References

External links

* [http://webevents.broadcast.com/dell/webpc/home.asp Dell WebPC Press Kit at dell.com]