Dell looks beyond desktop

Dell Computer is considering branching out to develop a range of PC-compatible Internet devices - from from simplified Web access machines to home networking products and oversize pagers that can send and receive e-mail messages.

The first of Dell's desktop alternatives will arrive in the form of an "Internet appliance" product code-named "Webster."

Dell is also planning a big pager, including one model called the "Blackberry" pager, which looks like a small calculator. The device synchronizes with standard PC applications to send and receive e-mail, and store calendar and address book information. The Blackberry is powered by a 386 processor.

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