Audrey is fully self-contained and includes an 8-inch color touch-sensitive LCD screen, as you can see in Figure A.

FIGURE A

Audrey is a self-contained Internet appliance. Click picture for a larger image.

The unit is trapezoidal in shape and comes in a variety of neutral colors, similar to those you would see on cappuccino machines, food processors, blenders, and microwaves. It's patently obvious that 3Com intended Audrey for use in the kitchen or in other areas computers aren't normally designed for. The entire unit is constructed of a strong plastic material, much like you'd see in a good kitchen appliance. Audrey has a detachable wireless infrared keyboard that slides onto the back of the unit for easy stowage.

Features
Audrey uses an Intel-compatible Cyrix MediaGX processor and runs on a combination of the QNX operating system and Palm's HotSync technology so that it can synchronize Date Book and Address List information with up to two Palm units simultaneously using its built-in serial ports. It has a 56K modem for dial-up Internet access and can automatically sign you up for AT&T WorldNet or use your existing ISP (Internet Service Provider) account. It also features a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port for connecting an optional USB Ethernet adapter for those folks who are lucky enough to have cable modems or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). Audrey also has built-in stereo speakers for playing streaming music and digitized sound, as you can see in Figure B.

FIGURE B

Audrey has built-in stereo speakers. Click picture for a larger image.

Audrey is the first in 3Com's new Ergo line of computing appliances that use QNX (at http://www.qnx.com), a multi-tasking real-time embedded operating system rumored to be the basis of the next generation of Palm devices running on Intel's StrongARM RISC processor. While Audrey runs on QNX, it still manages to be very Palm OS-like in its operation and in the behavior of its embedded software. This should make it a hit with existing Palm device users.

Button layout
On the right-hand side of the unit are buttons that activate Audrey's various functions. The top button activates Audrey's datebook, pictured in Figure C.

FIGURE C

Audrey's datebook can also function as a to do list. Click picture for a larger image.

The second button down functions as one-touch Internet access. The third button activates Audrey's address application, which can store Web URLs and pictures along with the typical PIM information.

Audrey's datebook and address applications are quite similar to their Palm device-based counterparts. However, there are key aspects where the Palm device and Audrey differ. The bottom of the unit sports a TV-style rotational knob to change and add "channels." These channels feature premium Internet partner content that will be constantly updated over the Internet as 3Com enters new agreements with major Web sites. The left side of Audrey features an illuminated button for email that blinks bright green when the user has new messages waiting.

Audrey's email program, pictured in Figure D, appears easy to use. It also supports voice email.