Hearthlist Digest #266 - Monday, February 8, 1999
 
Free PC
  by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
 

(back)
Subject: Free PC
From: Craig Issod <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 15:08:52 -0400
 
I think many people will have no excuses left about going online after they
read this latest marketing plan. It says a lot about the value of
"eyeballs" on the internet and/or computer screen.
 
How about a free computer that comes with a burning gas logs as a screen
saver? Or one that reminds you every hour "What are you doing staring at
this electronic tube, spend some time with your fireplace - Fire Works !
 
Here' the story:
Web Entrepreneur To Give Away PCs, Make Money On Ads
 
PASADENA, Calif. (Reuters) - A well-connected Internet entrepreneur Monday
said he plans to give away personal computers in exchange for consumers
accepting targeting advertising on their computer screens.
 
Idealab!, the investment vehicle of venture capitalist Bill Gross, said he
had introduced Free-PC Inc., a company that plans to offer consumers a
Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ - news) personal computer, Internet access
and electronic mail -- all for free -- in exchange for viewing targeted
advertising.
 
In a statement, Idealab! said Barry Diller's USA Networks Inc. had agreed
to invest $10 million and link its series of Internet-related properties to
the Free PC service.
 
Free-PC plans to begin offering Compaq Presario Internet PCs with a range
of Internet media and communications services from Compaq's Alta Vista
Internet unit. It said it will give away 10,000 units to qualified
customers in the second quarter.
 
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Craig Issod             HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com
[email protected]    Everything your Hearth Desires
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