Just plug-in 'n' surf

Ever wondered why the computer-geek living next door gives you those strange looks. Perhaps it's because this bespectacled 20- year-old classifies you as a `technologically challenged' man just because you can't master the art of using a computer. Otherwise you must have asked him why should one go to the `start' menu to shut down the windows.

Well! heart of hearts you know you suffer from this technophobia ever since you threw up your hands while trying to programme your VCR. And now you find yourself saying no-no to use of computer because of the same reason, however much you want to surf the Net, send e-mails and become cyber-savvy. Help is at hand for people like you now.

There is this small box in market today. Called Set Top Box. It's not exactly a PC, but it will help you to surf the Net using your idiot box. The best part of it is that this web-enabling STB wouldn't cost you a fortune. For Rs. 12,000, Sifybaron Net Devices Limited is offering this wonder box, which allows you to launch yourself into the cyberworld.

Using the TV as a display unit, the STB, with a parallel connection to the telephone instrument, allows you to surf the Net with the help of the infrared cordless full-function mini- keyboard. No fuss. No mess. The STB, which comes with a 56 kbps modem, a custom-built browser and a menu-driven package needs little configuration too. All one has to do is to plug it into the TV using the audio-video plug-ins.

There is another advantage with the STB, christened Magnet. It comes with a free Satyam Online connection and unlimited web access for the initial three months. What's more, Magnet also has a CD drive which allows you to watch movies, listen to movies and sing along with Karaoke function. Looks like you need not listen to words like crashes, upgrades, long boot-up times any more.

By K. Srinivas Reddy

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Section  : Southern States
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