A computer with no keyboard that provides access to the World Wide Web, and is so easy to use it has been called the "Simputer", could bring about the death of printed newspapers. Bahraini businessman, Mr Ali Hassan Alkhja said, in London, its simplicity and the ability to use it anywhere would make it ideal for reading pages from the Internet, especially news pages.

The Simputer, which is being patented by Mr Alkhja worldwide, looks a bit like a laptop computer, but has no keyboard. There is a mouse-like device, a single button to click and a slot into which users insert pre-programmed smart cards.

The cards can store up to one hundred specific addresses on the World Wide Web.

Users might be able to buy cards for certain themes or topics, such as a news, music, video games, or business information.

Each card would act as a menu or guide for the Simputer, which uses a built-in, mobile telephone to access the Net.

Mr Alkhja expects the finished machine to weigh "much less" than existing laptop computers, and cost "under £600".

"Newspapers are out of date later on the same day. With the Internet and the Simputer, people can find out the very latest news," he said.