Can you access the internet without a computer? I'm looking for equipment for a non-computer person to use the web?

I'm looking for equipment for a non-computer person to use the web. I know that at one time Microsoft had something that connected to your TV to the internet.Is that still around? Do you know someone who has used it?

Is there a laptop that just connects to the internet without other applications like Word or Excel? I'm looking for something for my mom, who doesn't really like computers. She wants to be able to look at stuff on line, but she wouldn't use the computer for anything else.

Asked by Alley1999 49 months ago Similar questions: access internet computer equipment non computer person web Computers > Internet.

Similar questions: access internet computer equipment non computer person web.

Yes, WebTV is still available, but there are alternatives worth considering... Yes, WebTV is still available but was renamed "MSN TV" (msntv.com/" rel="nofollow">msntv.com/) when Microsoft purchased the original company. I got a chance to try WebTV before it became MSN TV (msntv.com/" rel="nofollow">msntv.com/). Unfortunately it has a huge limitation in that most major web sites are designed for screen resolutions of 800x600 or larger.

A TV has only 486 visible vertical lines, or just a bit over half of what is really needed to avoid scrolling left and right when reading. MSN TV reformats web pages to fit the lower resolution of TV sets. The initial purchase price for the MSN TV 2 player is $199.90 (it's available from eBay for less than $100) and the MSN TV subscription service costs $9.95/month or $99.95/year if you already have broadband Internet access.

There's also a dial-up option but it may not be all that satisfying for general Web browsing due to the download speed. A subscription is mandatory... unless Windows is replaced with something else. :o) (http://mirror.toc2rta.com/?q=node/2) Due to the cost, most computers no longer include a licensed installation of Microsoft Office, but there is still plenty of other often unnecessary pre-installed software (often referred to as "crapware" by users).

It sounds like a desktop/laptop with XP and/or Vista might be overkill. A used/refurbished laptop with Windows 98 might work, but the hardware might not be enough to run the newer web browsers (also, Internet Explorer 6 SP1 was the last version for Windows 98). Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives.

The first one that I thought might fit what you are looking to set up for your mom would be Zonbu: http://zonbu.com/It's basically a compact and very energy efficient computer. The cheapest overall price is to buy the Zonbu for $299 without a subscription plan. The other option is to buy it for $99 and sign up for a 2-year plan for $14.95/month (FYI, a month or two ago, the price was originally $249 upfront for the unit or $99 plus $9.99/month for the 2-year plan).

The subscription plan includes an extended warranty for the hardware, unlimited technical support and 50GB of online storage. Interestingly, the online storage is provided by Amazon's S3 service. :o) A downside to Zonbu is that a broadband Internet connect is needed to really take advantage of the online storage and automatic software updates.It's certainly possible to hook it up to a dial-up service, but the effort required is probably not worth it.

Another option is the Everex TC2502 that is being sold at Walmart online and in-stores: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7754614 Add a 17" LCD monitor for about $150. There are lots of holiday sales around with basic LCD monitors going for as low as $99, but a decent one that I've been using is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009118 Other Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webtv http://osweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2553&Itemid=449 msntv.com/" rel="nofollow">msntv.com/0 msntv.com/" rel="nofollow">msntv.com/)0 .

Yes. The service (WebTV) has been replaced by MSN TV. The Wii I have will access the web but the interface is clunky compared to a regular PC.

Also you can set a PC to boot and auto-start the browser at the user's home page. Sources: msntv.com/pc/ .

It's a really simplified laptop/tablet PC that was designed for children in 3rd world countries so they can access the web and other basic computing needs.It's a great deal because you get a computer for $188 and if you buy one before the end of this year they will send a laptop to a child who needs one too. You can look at them at laptop.org" rel="nofollow">laptop.org They are built pretty tough to resist dust/dirt water damage and they have very simple application, like a simple web browser for doing google searches and checking email. On another note, you can browse the web on a Playstation 3 if you happen to have one laying around :) Sources: laptop.org" rel="nofollow">laptop.org .

Sure You're thinking of MSNTV (formerly Web TV). Problem with that is (a) it's crap, and (b) it costs 200 bucks just for the hardware and you still have to pay for the online service. You can get a basic laptop computer for under 400 bucks that will do a better job.As far as the other programs go, most cheap laptops don't come with much real software anyway and you can disable or uninstall (or hide) anything she doesn't want to use.

Get a device like archos 605 then! Since your mom would only like to browse the internet, why not get her an archos 605 portable media player with wifi. It supports java and flash, hence it works with most websites.

Besides, your mom can even use it to play music, videos whenever she's bored. How about it. Aspiar's Recommendations ARCHOS 605 WIFI 4GB MULTIMEDIA PLAYER MP3/PHOTO/VIDEO/RECORDER 4.3 TOUCHSCREEN USB SD CARD (Retail) .

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I am looking for a computer for my elderly mom that gives her access to the internet and email only. Do you know of any?

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