The San Francisco Examiner du lieu suivant : San Francisco, California • 22

rr B-6 Monday, Auguil 2 1 2000 SAN I RANCISCO EXAMINER ZDTVfromB-1 IPAQ is best-yet Internet appliance ceive ZDTV. "This announcement with Time Warner not only opens the door for ZDTV to reach more than 12 million consumers from coast to coast, but it also puts us in the No. 1 market in the nation, right off the bat, which is extremely important to our network," Gillespie said. "ZDTV is a unique programming service that we believe will add further value to our digital package," said Barbara Kelly, general manager of Time Warner Cable, in a statement. "We are pleased to bring ZDTV's consumer technology programming and news to our customers who can use this information to enrich their lives." ZDTV took a circuitous route in becoming techtv.

The channel was first announced by Ziff Davis in May 1997. The actual programming launched in May 1998. In March 1999, Allen, through Vulcan, purchased about 31 percent of the company from ZD. In July 1999, the Japanese holding company Softbank announced it wanted to sell Ziff Davis in one unit or in pieces. In January 2000, Vulcan purchased the remaining stake in ZDTV.

Digital cable's ZDTV rechristened techtv an expanded distribution agreement with the St Louis-based cable company Charter Communications, as well as a new strategic alliance with the Seattle Net portal Go2Net The Charter agreement, which will go into effect immediately, will bring ZDTV's total exposure to households via analog, or standard, cable TV lines to 20 million, up from 19 million in April. "We'll surpass 20 million sometime in the fall," said Joe Gillespie, techtv's COO. 'That's a significant figure, signaling our change from start-up operation to a legitimate cable channel." The firm also announced Monday that Time Warner Cable will be adding ZDTV to its digital programming offering in New York City this fall. This comes on the heels of a recent agreement ZDTV made with Time Warner Cable last month that cleared the way for its 12.6 million U.S. subscribers to re retrieved e-mail from the Web-based e-mail services provided by Microsoft rivals America Online and Yahoo.

Overall, the speed was acceptable, similar to the speed of PCs. The sole printer certified to run with the unit is the $99 Epson Stylus 740. It connected quickly, and printed most of the text and graphics screens I tried, with just the touch of the Compaq's "print" button. This product, however, has some important limitations the companies should fix. The worst one is that the Compaq appliance can't handle Web sites that depend on the Java programming language, or use audio and video files created with RealNetworks technology.

These limitations, and others, meant I couldn't sample CD selections on Amazon, or check my bank and brokerage accounts online. Also, the e-mail function is primitive. You can't sort e-mail into folders, create group e-mail addresses or compose e-mail offline. without looking out of place. Setup is speedy and easy.

You just plug in the electrical and telephone cords, tell the machine your area code, and it dials in. After that, every time you want to use it, the machine starts up immediately, unlike a PC, and instantly dials into the Internet via MSN. It also shuts down instantly with the touch of a button. This first model can only connect to the Net using a dial-up phone connection. But Compaq and Microsoft plan to offer highspeed DSL service for the appliances, probably in a few months.

They say buyers of these first units will be able to upgrade their service plans and hardware to DSL. On the Web, I successfully used scores of sites, all of which looked fine on the small screen. I bought a book at Amazon, refilled a prescription at CVS.com, checked my 401k at Fidelity, played MP3 music clips and watched Windows Media video clips. I viewed photos stored in online albums, and even Compaq built the hardware, but the device runs on Microsoft software and connects to the Internet exclusively via Microsoft's MSN Internet service, though you can use it to reach any site on the Web, not just Microsoft's proprietary sites. There aren't any files, folders, commands or menus to figure out.

There's no hard disk to crash. It's sort of a TV set for the Internet. Even in its present state, I can recommend the Compaq appliance to anyone who'd like to get online but doesn't want or need a PC. The all-white appliance looks like an inverted laptop, with the base containing the electronics lying behind the screen, not in front. The wireless keyboard has a solid feel and contains lota of special Web navigation keys.

There's no separate mouse, but a pointing device is built into the keyboard. The 10-inch flat-panel screen is bright and vivid, and text and graphics are pleasing to the eye. The whole thing fits neatly on my counter Compaq-Microsoft venture's limitations to be fixed later By Walter S.Mossberg WAIL STREET JOURNAL Compaq and Microsoft like the rest of the computer industry for years scoffed at the very idea of simple, cheap In- ternet appliances that might chal- ANALYblO lenge the PC. They recently teamed up to introduce just such a device. Well, better late than never.

Their new Compaq iPAQ Home Internet Appliance is a solid and' worthy first effort It lets you roam the World Wide Web, and send and receive e-mail, with most of the functionality but none of the complexity and aggravation of a full-fledged PC. And it costs as little as $199, plus $22 a month for Internet access. i a fix KifPiiA sue! mm urn otmMmmm Labor Department reports on weekly jobless claims. Commerce Department reports on durable goods orders for July. Freddie Mac reports on mortgage rates.

Friday, Aug. 25 Commerce Department reports on gross domestic product for the second quarter. National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales for July. FUTURE COURSES TO KEEP YOU COMPETITIVE UC Extension offers over 200 professional and college level courses online and by e-mailmail. Enrollment is open NOW! FREE catalogue! Call 510-642-4124, Dept AP; or httpleam.berkeley.edu Monday, Aug.

21 Treasury Department holds T-bill auction. Tuesday, Aug. 22 Federal Reserve's policy-making Federal Open Market Committee discusses interest rate policies. Wednesday, Aug. 23 Treasury Department holds T-bill auction.

Thursday, Aug. 24 SOURCE: Associated Press FUTURE INCREASE YOUR PROFITS CUT YOUR TAXES IN HALF! Learn hignry effective strategies and insider secrets from the country's top experts on reducing taxes, estate planning, financial privacy and asset protection. Experienced attorneys and successful business leaders offer dynamic solutions that can protect you from lawsuits and save you money on taxes! This concise, four-hour course teaches the most efficient business structures to turn your company into a powerful, high performance machine. Attend the most advanced conference of its kind at The Hyatt Regency-SFO Airport, Saturday, August 26 from 10am to 2pm. The Cost is $99.

Call 1-800-648-0966 JOB FORUM Free customized brainstorming and problem solving for job seekers. SF Chamber invites you to attend its weekly program aimed at helping people find jobs. Wed. 235 Montgomery SL 12th Fir. Info: 415-392-4520 TODAY ACCELERATED MBA PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION Learn about SFSU's Saturday off-campus MBA program.

SESSION 1: Wednesday, August 23, 6-7pm DPR Construction, Inc 1450 Veteran's Redwood City, CA SESSION 2: Thursday, August 24, 6-7pm San Francisco State Univ. Downtown Center 425 Market Room 2608 FORMAT: Short presentation followed by A Classes begin Jan 2001. Questions: Professor Joe Messina 415-338-6348, jmessinasfsu.edu, www.sfsu.edu-amba WEDNESDAY The San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing is holding an Informational Presentation Meeting for interested contractors and construction professionals on LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION the NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS. Wed. Aug.

30th Thurs. Aug. 31st 6pm at the Human Rights Commission. 25 Van Ness, 8th Fl, SF. Please RSVP by Aug.

23rd at 415-252-3123. SATURDAY Careers in Meeting Planning SAT. Aug. 26, 9am-5pm Sponsered by the San Francisco State Oniversity College of Extended Learning Downtown Center, 425 Market (at Fremont Street), 2nd floor, $145. Call (415) 405-7700.

FUTURE HOW TO START AND MANAGE A SMALL BUSINESS A one-day special seminar to help prospective and current owners of small businesses to succeed will be conducted by specialists from SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) on August 28, 4pm at 455 Market Street, SF, CA Subjects include: guide for seeking financial aid, writing a business plan, marketing, advertising and sales promotion. Other topics: record keeping, taxes, insurance and legal needs. Fee of $35 covers seminar matenals. InfoReservation 415-744-6827. Info on all SCORE services seminars web: sfscore.com; Email: sfscoresfscore.com Visit the SBA Business Information Center co-located wSCORE BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Working for you throughout the week Advertisers, reach the decision-makers while they're at their offices and in a business frame of mind.

Use "Business-to-Business" during the week as well as on Sundays and send your message to more than 2.7 million potential customers. Call (41 5) 777-7335 today to place your ad in the business goods and services clearinghouse. You'll catch the eye of the Bay Area's top movers and shakers. REACH YOUR BUSINESS AUDIENCE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY CALENDAR Every Monday, nearly 1.4 million readers read the Daily Combinal ion. Place your announcement with us by calling (415) 615-3564, or your regular Classified sales representative.

Commercial and non-profit rates are available. Community Business Calendar mailing address is: Classified Advertising 925 Mission Street SF CA 94103 Fax (415) 543-3897 Deadline: 5 PM Thursday for following Monday Soiiire: IWlS-Wl Sail Kranrlsco Market (iallir Shirty. THE CHRONICLE THE EXAMINER CLASSIFIEDS I NEED THE INSIDE SCOOP ON BUSINESS FINANCE! FOR A COMPLETE UPDATE ON THE WORLD OF BUSINESS A FINANCE JUST CALL DOC! 808 5000 AND HIT 9000. WHAT'S THE MARKET DOING TODAY? CALL DOC! FOR THE LATEST STOCK QUOTES 24 HOURS A DAY JUST CALL 8085000 AND HIT 9500. DOCI IS A FREE CALL IN THE DOCI IS A FREE CALL IN THE LOCAL SAN FRANCISCO, LOCAL SAN FRANCISCO, JAPANESE LANGUAGE CLASSES reg $130course.

SF's nonprofit Japanese language school. Classes meet 3 hrswk for 11 wks: 916-126 (415)928-9608 users.aol.comsokogakuen OAKLAND AND SAN JOSE CALLING AREAS. ZONE CHARGES MAY OAKLAND AND SAN JOSE CALLING AREAS. ZONE CHARGES MAY EQUIPMENTSUPPLIES MAKING A CAREER CHANGECAREER ASSESMENT IBOW5QOOI APPLY FROM OTHER AREAS. APPLY FROM OTHER AREAS 0850O0 in Burlingame.

4 sessions starting September 13, i aw. aponsoreq py tne wreer toucation writer b50-55B-397u. I II. I I I Take advantage of fall foliage with a camping trip; Hammacher Schlemmer can also hook you up with an automotive navigator and a foldable toddler daybed. Then, click on over to Target for tents, grills, flashlights and more.

Using the Web to Spruce Up Your Home Now that the kids are back in school, you've got a little time to start your fall shopping. Mall.com can help you get going on those projects you've been putting off all summer and save you money too. Mall.com brings the finest furniture stores to you. Furniture.com can help you out with an interactive room planner and a full line of tools and services. The site also offers great weekly specials with specially-priced items, in addition to great deals on bedroom furniture for the kids and velvet couches in deep fall colors.

And don't leave Furniture.com without checking out Your Home magazine for all the latest trends and tips. Planning a dinner party? Make sure your table is all set with fantastic selections from Williams-Sonoma or Neiman Marcus. Pick up some drinks at Wine.com. And check out Restoration Hardware for everything you need, from lighting fixtures to household gadgets to basic tools. Ever feel like the walls are closing in? Maybe that's because you're tired of what's on them.

Let Mall.com take you to Wentworth Gallery, where you can get fine art, your favorite reprints and fantastic frames. Don't forget the crystal crafted stemware for special occasions. And pick out some new ties in Wentworth's boutique, all designed by world-renowned artists. Once your home is just how you want it, Mall.com also has plenty to offer for your activities outside the home. Hammacher Schlemmer has more than enough sports and leisure equipment to keep you busy until next summer.

Don't miss out on the home driving range and the trampolines. Copyright 2000 NewsUSA AUTOMOTIVE HOME FURNISHINGS IHMJlMfMAt STORAGE DOT.COM DIRECTORY Storage Containers of California iiMiivinii On-Line Investing Discount Brokerage CD's Home Loans Money Market Rates New Car Sales Used Cars Auto Parts Auto Servicing Internet Auto Sales Auto Painting Auto Insurance Body Work Engine Tune Ups TruckAuto Rentals ACCOUNTANTS Individual Tax Partnerships Corporate Taxes Business Start-Ups Monthly Bookkeeping International Planning Financial Statements Audits Estate Planning bales Hentais Short Or Long Term Dry Home Consignment Center We specialize in the Consignment and Sale of High Quality Furnishings, Accessories Jewelry. www.homeconslgnmentcenter.com Refrigerated Containers FOR MORE INFORMATION msantos8fna.com Telephone 415-777-7655 INTERNET MUSIC PRODUCTION EDUCATION Delivered 2 Your Site, 1-800-821-SALE or 1-800-506-RENT www.storage-container.corh' HOME REPAIRS Construction Remodels Roofing TRAVEL GULLIVER'S WORLD TRAVEL "Let us beat your cruise quote" Best prices on top name cruises. Save travel services: cruises, trip packages, air fares, rental cars, domesticinternational. 1 -800-62 1 -2966 OR 1-888-456-2310 www.gulliver8world.com Plumbing Windows Flooring Painting Lighting Kitchens Bath Decks Appliances Heating Air conditioning Electrical Home Security Tile Fireplaces EMPLOYMENT Full Time Temporary Pay Roll Services Admin Assistance Customer Service Desktop Publishing Legal Sales Data Entry Creative Hundreds of rockers, gliders rocking loveseats for adults kids, ready to snip anywhere.

1-800-4-ROCKER www.rocklng-chair8.com RadioCentral San Jose State UNIVERSITY SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION Online Classes, Professional Development Career Programs, Summer Session, Corporate Training, Leadership Programs, Winter Session, ESL. Open University, 1-888-999-SJCE. www.conted.sjsu.edu ONLINE AUCTIONS NuAuction Win a Mercedes $5,000 cash! Register today in our drawing to win a new Mercedes Convertible SLK 230 WORTH $45,000) Plus $5,000 cash www.nuauction.com LEGAL Bankruptcy Personal Injury Wrongful Death Drunk Driving COMPUTER RETAIL SERVICES Computers Printers Scanners Digital Cameras Lap Tops Software Repairs Service Modems Tech Support PHYSICIANS Internal Medicine Primary Care Family Practice Gynecology Physical Exams Cosmetic Surgery Laser Eye Centers Create Custom Internet Radio for Leading Destination Sites 415.934.9700 www.radlocentral.com 1 fr rt AMCC (v- fi -hm- I.