New Internet Computer: The Rise and Fall of a Linux Appliance
At the turn of the millennium, the tech industry was buzzing with the idea of the "internet appliance"—a simplified, affordable device designed solely for web browsing. One of the most ambitious attempts to capture this market was the New Internet Computer (NIC), launched on July 6, 2000, by Larry Ellison and Gina Smith's New Internet Computer Company.
Positioned as an accessible gateway to the digital world, the NIC aimed to strip away the complexity of the traditional personal computer, offering a streamlined experience for the average user at a disruptive price point.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: July 6, 2000
- Introductory Price: $199 (excluding monitor)
- Operating System: Custom Linux distribution
- Sales Performance: Fewer than 50,000 units sold
- Company Closure: June 2003
Hardware and Technical Specifications
The New Internet Computer was designed for minimalism. Unlike the PCs of its era, it lacked a hard drive, meaning it could not be used to install additional software. Instead, the system booted from a CD-ROM using a custom Linux distribution (an open-source operating system) developed by Wim Coekaerts.
To store essential user data, the device relied on a small amount of flash memory—a type of non-volatile storage that retains data even when the power is turned off.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Technical Specifications Table
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | 266 MHz Cyrix MII |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Storage | 4 MB Flash Memory |
| Connectivity | 10 MBps Ethernet, 56K Modem, Two USB 1.1 ports |
| Power Supply | 60 Watt |
| Online Services | NetZero |
Market Ambitions vs. Reality
The vision for the NIC was massive. Larry Ellison projected sales of 5 million units within the first year of release. However, the product failed to gain traction with consumers. Ultimately, the company sold fewer than 50,000 units, a fraction of the original goal.
The device's limitations and lack of versatility contributed to its poor reception. This failure was highlighted by PC World, which eventually ranked the New Internet Computer as the ninth worst PC of all time. The New Internet Computer Company officially ceased operations in June 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the New Internet Computer?
The New Internet Computer (NIC) was a Linux-based internet appliance released in 2000, designed to provide an affordable and simple way to access the internet.
How much did the NIC cost at launch?
The system was sold at an introductory price of $199, though this price did not include a monitor.
Could users install their own software on the NIC?
No. Because the device lacked a hard drive and booted from a CD-ROM, there was no way to install additional software.
Who developed the operating system for the NIC?
The custom Linux distribution used by the system was developed by Wim Coekaerts.
Why was the New Internet Computer considered a failure?
Despite an ambitious goal of selling 5 million units in the first year, it sold fewer than 50,000 units and was criticized for its limitations, leading to its ranking as one of the worst PCs of all time by PC World.