Netpliance closes 'I-opener' loophole

Netpliance has changed the terms of its user agreement to foil consumers who want to use its Internet applicance as a cheap computer.

The Austin, Texas-based company, which sells the $99 "I-opener", now requires customers to sign up for at least 90 days of Internet service at $21.95 a month.

The move comes after a Las Vegas slot machine mechanic figured out how to graft a hard drive onto the I-opener and transform it into a cheap Linux-based PC that could be used in conjunction with any ISP account.

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