Microsoft plans cheaper OS, e-mail bundle ZDNet Aug 27 2003 3:10PM ET

While this may suit a segment of the market that Microsoft wants to go after, I think its time that they start seriously considering the needs of another segment that appears to be extremely underserved by current suites and operating systems. I'm talking about the "Emailers and Browsers" of the world. Consumers that do nothing with their computer except use email, web and maybe IM. I guess I'm describing the information appliance that we were promised a few years back, but there's no need to go out and create a whole new OS running on new hardware when slightly older laptop technology would do the trick nicely - early PIII class machines have more than enough hardware to power the necessary apps. Think: "MSN-in-a-box" circa 2003. We're not talking about a $40 bookend that includes Spyglass and Trumpet Winsock. Think: Going down to BestBuy and getting everything you need for out-of-box Internet for $999, hardware included. The only thing I would ask is that this be a simple exercise for the -end-user. It has to be as close to zero-configuration as possible. Critical user data should be stored on a server somewhere for recovery and use on other machines (IMAP mailboxes, IE Favorites, message filters, IM preferences and so on). I should be able to login to any MSN-in-a-box and get *my* stuff. And oh yeah - it *must* have WiFi. Come to think of it, this would be a great segment for Michael Robertson to take a look at. Lindows could use some traction in the home. Apple would be wise to take note as well. Job's and gang have done a great job in the user experience department - I see no reason why they would approach this any differently. iBoxes would be a great way to get people using Apple's OS which would almost certainly lead to future sales of more capable equipment. Could be cheap evangelism for the underdogs. I suppose this is what Mira is intended to address.