The PIC device provides managed Internet connectivity and basic computing and Internet capabilities such as a browser, e-mail, productivity tools (word processing and spreadsheet), and the ability to view images, multimedia files and standard format documents.

Based on AMD technology, the PIC has been developed as part of AMD’s global «50x15» initiative of providing affordable Internet and computing capabilities to 50 percent of the world’s population by the year 2015. To help accomplish this goal, AMD has created a global ecosystem of participating companies to develop usable, affordable technologies and make them easily accessible for people in global, high-growth markets to enhance communications and education opportunities.

Suggested system price is US$185.00 with a keyboard, mouse, and preinstalled software; or US$249.00 which also includes a monitor. The price includes a PC based on AMD Geode GX500 366MHz, 128MB SDRAM DDR, 10GB HDD, 4xUSB, 56kbps modem, audio.

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The Utility Consumers’ Action Network has filed separate lawsuits against AT&T and SBC Communications, accusing the phone companies of «unfair competition» by misleading consumers.

«They are important cases because they represent the kinds of abuses that we anticipate will become increasingly common in the near future,» said Michael Shames, executive director of San Diego-based UCAN. «We are taking action that we deem preventive.»

The lawsuit against AT&T was filed Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court. It accuses AT&T of improperly charging some business customers a «long distance federal carrier line charge» against federal rules.

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