In the August 1999 issue of Linux Journal, Bruce Fryer wrote a piece called "Thinkful Wishing" that envisioned "a Linux-based iMac." Here was his design: "Use nothing but end-of-life components with no fan and no floppy so it can be built dirt cheap. Boot from the CD-ROM drive. Solder everything onto the boards including memory, with the possible exception of a communications slot. We're talking about a black & white box here: simple and reliable as an old phone. Shot for a $500+ price point, complete with all network connections, OS and software including management agents. Put the money in memory and display, which ought to be active matrix, if there's any way." It goes on, but you get the drift.
Pretty soon you'll be able to get one, pretty much to that spec, from New Internet Computer, or NIC <www.thinknic.com>. If that name sounds vaguely familiar, perhaps its because yes, indeed, this is the latest incarnation of Oracle CEO Larry Ellison's thin client. While the original "NC," or Network Computer was conceived as a kind of terminal, the NIC is a Linux workstation. It boots Linux 2.2 off the CD-ROM, along with Netscape Navigator 4.7 and a roster of plugins. The hardware is a roster of generics: 266MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 24x CD-ROM, 2 USB ports, 10/100 base T MB Ethernet, keyboard, mouse, speakers. Applications and storage will reportedly be handled by a remote server (though it can save to "a capable third party Internet storage system." It will run Windows applications too, through the Citrix MetaFrame client. Price: $199.99 Bundled with a 15" (800 x 600) monitor, $329.98. The company offers a free ISP, or you can use your own.
The CEO of The New Internet Computer Company is Gina Smith, the high profile veteran technology columnist, radio and TV personality. Ms. Smith, 35, was most recent gig was co-hosting CNET News.com. The scope of the company's ambitions is apparent in two facts that appear to guarantee a market for the boxes. One is Larry Ellison's stated commitment to spend $100 million to computerize schools. The other is Oracle's recent donation of 500 NICs to the Chicago Public School System, with a promise to match another 500 donated by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), which is chaired by General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret). In May, oracle also donated 1200 NICs to the Dallas Independent School District.