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By Jim Forbes
How pervasive is the Internet? It's a platform all by itself-and to Corel, that means an opportunity to get away from Windows. One way Corel will do that is by getting into computer hardware.
Early next year, the graphics vendor, which now owns WordPerfect, plans to offer two machines for mobile professionals who have adopted the Net as their primary communications medium. Officials say prototypes are all but ready, and the first offering-a network computer with Java versions of WordPerfect and Quattro Pro-could ship this year.
The Corel Network Computer will have 4MB of system memory and ship with a 640x480 screen. It will run a specialized OS that includes a browser and will use non-Intel chips. It's being developed by database giant Oracle-which will run the same OS on its own network computer, setting the stage for what the companies hope is serious competition with Windows PCs.
Corel has also been working on a personal digital assistant that will use the same microprocessor and ship with only 2MB of system memory, a self-contained 28.8Kbps modem and a smaller screen. Corel's PDA is expected to be about 3.5 by 5.5 inches and powered by two AA batteries.
The product should include a scaled-down version of the browser in the network computer and programs for taking notes and organizing e-mail. The machine will ship in March for about $400.
Corel is also widening its software's reach. All Corel apps are now being ported to Java; CEO Michael Cowpland claims Java versions will outsell their Windows counterparts in two years.
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