To help parents and grandparents become more comfortable with the idea of communicating via the Internet and embrace technology in general, wouldn't it make sense to integrate this new method of communication with something they're familiar with - like the TV? That is precisely what set top boxes have set out to do. The Broadband Magic Computer Plus 500 Series Webflyer set top box is a deluxe multimedia and Internet-enabled device that sits rather unobtrusively on top of a TV set to deliver a new entertainment experience.

An upgraded version of the 400 Series, the Computer Plus 500 Series pulls its power from a 500MHz AMD-K6-2E embedded processor, and utilizes 64MB RAM (This can be upgraded to 128 MB if 64 isn't enough.) and a 10GB hard drive to play DVD movies and CDs, and stream audio and video entertainment-on-demand from the Internet.

For those who are more interested in performing computing functions, this Windows 98 OS-based device is equipped with a wireless keyboard for sending and receiving email, surfing the Internet, composing documents, editing spreadsheets, or playing video games. It comes loaded with basic Microsoft software, including Internet Explorer, Word, and Excel. The 500 Series is also available with Windows 2000, ME, or NT, or even Linux operating systems.

So, in a nutshell, what is this 500 Series Webflyer device? It's a 2.5" x 16" x 14" 15 lb. black box that sits atop a TV set, connects to the outside world via a 56K internal modem or 10/100 Base T Ethernet RJ-45 LAN connection, provides 8X DVD or 24X CD ROM performance, and can read standard 3.5" floppy disks.

As far as other, non-remote connectivity is concerned, the 500 Series Webflyer comes with a serial, a parallel, and a game port, in addition to two USB inputs, so printers, scanners, or other external devices of choice can also be attached. Of course, video output is essential, and for that the 500 Series uses NTSC or PAL composite video output, NTSC or PAL S-video output, or SVGA output.

Designed for home or industrial use, the 500 Series Webflyer can act as a member of your LAN, a standalone PC, or an accessory to your current home entertainment system.

Pricing and Availability

The Computer Plus 500 Series Webflyer is currently available to OEMs at an average base price of $903.75.

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