Your Technology Oct. 30, 2000

NETPLIANCE I-OPENER Targeted at senior citizens, the $299 device's main appeal is its ease of use. You can surf the Web via a flat 10-in. screen, but what you really get with the $21.95-a-month fee is ready-to-read content from sources like ESPN and Mr. Showbiz. It quietly goes online three times a day to check your mail and news so you can catch up without tying up the phone. Coming soon is an instant-messaging function. Finally, you'll be able to show Grandma the true meaning of chat.

COMPAQ IPAQ Part of the MSN Companion family, this is one of the sturdier...