The "new AOL Optimized PC" is built by Systemax, a Port Washington, N.Y.-based PC maker.
... includes a 1.7GHz Intel Celeron processor, 256MB of RAM and a 40GB hard drive, 17-inch monitor and color printer, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and Sun Microsystem's StarOffice software.
An AOL spokesman said the offer is a test program being aimed directly at consumers who have limited or no experience using the Internet.
If successful, the company will consider making similar offers in the future, he said.
The move follows AOL's announcement that it plans to launch a new discount Internet access service under its Netscape brand to combat the growing threat from both cheaper alternatives and speedier broadband...
The stripped-down service is expected to launch in early 2004 for $9.95 a month and to offer fewer [bells and whistles] found on AOL's $23.90 month service...
CNET News.com's Matt Hines contributed to this report.
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