November 16, 1999 Web posted at: 10:15 a.m. EST (1515 GMT) by John Cox

From...

(IDG) -- Boundless Technologies this week will unveil a specialized Internet thin-client device featuring a slim, sleek, silver and black display screen and a keyboard connected via an infrared link.

The device, called iBrow, was designed for Web access -- letting users work with Web-based applications and data through a browser. It mimics the Web experience of a Windows PC, without any of the complications of running and maintaining a computer, according to Boundless.

The iBrow has a fold-up 9-inch color LCD panel, 600 x 800 pixel resolution, and supports 64,000 colors. It incorporates a ready-to-use 56K bit/sec modem.

The device is powered by a National Semiconductor's Geode chip, formerly called the MediaGX, and runs the Vxworks real-time operating system from Wind River. Also included in the device are two USB ports to connect printers and other peripherals. Currently, a DSL connection via a plug-in Ethernet card is in the works.

The product's Web browser, from start-up Espial, is written entirely in Java (it conforms to Sun's Personal Java specification). The browser currently supports HTML 3.0, but Boundless is working with Espial to bring out an HTML 4.0 edition.

"Our product roadmap for the iBrow family will have all the needed standards to replicate a Windows PC browsing experience," says Chad Gibbons, director of business development for Boundless in Hauppauge, N.Y. The new client device will support 128-bit encryption and the Secure Sockets Layer security protocol for the Web.

Initially, Boundless is aiming the device at ISPs and companies such as banks and online traders that likely will buy the devices in bulk then offer them as part of services, much as cellular carriers include a "free" cell phone with their service.

Sometime later in 2000, Boundless will incorporate Citrix Systems' client version of its ICA protocol. This software will let an iBrow user connect to Windows applications running on a remote server. When the application activates, it will appear in a full-screen window of its own on the iBrow device. When the user exits the application, the display will return to the Web browser.

Pricing for the LCD display product starts at $600, but buyers can expect volume discounts. A smaller version with no display that plugs into almost any video monitor, will cost less (exact pricing not available).