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To evaluate the Internet appliance against a computer, the components involved must be considered. The IA box uses a television display, and a handheld remote control provides the user interface. The computer comprises of a display monitor, hardware case and both a keyboard and mouse as user interface.
| Features and Services |
IA |
PC |
TV |
| Can download audio files. |
Download & listen |
Download & listen |
- |
| Can download audio files. |
Can recall & listen |
Can recall & listen |
- |
| Can capture still image
from video. |
Capture & store |
Capture & store |
- |
| Can capture & play video
clip. |
Capture & play |
Capture & play |
- |
| Can connect to Internet. |
Easily |
Yes with configuration |
Generally does not |
| Product life cycle. |
Med (4-8 yrs) |
Short (1-2 yrs) |
Long (5-10 yrs) |
| User interface. |
Remote
Control
|
Keyboard & mouse |
Remote
Control |
| Task components needed. |
TV and remote |
PC monitor and keyboard |
- |
| Cost. |
Low |
High |
Low |
| Nature of use. |
User defined task/activity |
Does everything |
Viewing only |
| Human attention required. |
User decides |
Brain almost always on |
Brain normally off |
| Human requirement to think. |
No need to think |
Always think |
No need to think |
| Level of experience needed. |
Must be homo sapiens |
Needs training |
Must be Homo Sapiens |
|
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