Psion Dacom Plc has launched the first of its lifestyle products. The Surfer modem, so called because of its Internet capabilities, is undeniably, as managing director Gareth Hughes said, a seriously cool modem. It is black and sleek and the ergonomically designed sides scream out to be touched. Each one comes with its very own surfsuit – a fully machine-washable wetsuit style of dust jacket, in a variety of colors. Yes it is a gimmick, a cheap shot said Hughes, but it looks great and most importantly, it works. Psion believes half the homes in the UK will be connected to the Internet within the next five years, and to get hardware into the living room, appearance and style will become increasingly important. The Surfer and Surfer Pro are fast. Data is transferred at a rate of up to 33,600 bits per second and both are supplied with speech, facsimile, data and Netscape Communications Inc’s Internet browser software. Software is from Scandanavian Trio A/S and runs under Microsoft Corp’s Windows95. Connection software for UUnet Technologies Inc’s UUnet Pipex, Compuserve Corp and America Online Inc Internet service providers is bundled with the modems to provide a total Internet-ready plug and play device.
