Intel, the world's largest semiconductor maker, plans to introduce a range of consumer "Web appliances", computer-like devices giving high-speed Internet access.
The easy-to-use machines, the cornerstone of a strategy designed to extend the use of Intel technology, will be powered by the company's Celeron microprocessors.
Unlike ordinary general purpose personal computers, which are capable of a wide range of tasks, Web appliances perform limited tasks over the Internet, such as e-mail retrieval, information-gathering or online shopping.
Some may look like slimmed down PCs while others will be designed for use in specific places, for example in the kitchen or in a car. They are likely to be provided "free" with a subscription service, for example home shopping.
In a surprise decision, to help keep prices down, the machines will run the so-called "open source" Linux operating system software rather than Microsoft Windows, which powers the vast majority of personal computers.
Intel will outline its Web appliance strategy today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The strategy involves providing software and services to suppliers, as well as hardware.
