Philips Magnavox MAT965A1 Webtv Classic
$100 alternative to a $1000 computer
I have used WebTV for two years, several hours daily, and I remain impressed with its sensible design and ease of use.  I prefer it to other computer-based internet services that I have.  It has most  everything most people want in an  internet connection: email, newsgroups and web browsing  -- and no hastle with computer software and its constant upgrading (you  receive periodic free upgrades automatically over the internet).  You do  have the added monthly expense of a subscription to the WebTV network that serves as your ISP.  You need a standard  telephone line connection, it can be an extension on your family line --  you probably won't need a new telephone line.  Before you buy verify that  WebTV offers a local telephone number for your dial-in use so your  connection to WebTV won't be a toll call. Note that WebTV uses your  telephone to connect to the internet, not through any TV cable service you  may have.You will also need a TV with minimally audio and video input  sockets. If you are planning to use it for serious email, you will also  need a keyboard, either a wireless unit they sell or you can plug a  standard computer keyboard into it.  With use you may also want to buy a  printer adapter and inkjet printer, limited primarily to specific HP  printer models.