Compaq finds Microsoft's companionship

Compaq has launched a cut-down, 'free' variation of its iPaq PC. The PC-like device, which runs MSN-based software and provides access to (you guessed it) MSN Internet services, is the second such machine to come from Compaq. It joins eMachine's model, launched last month, in providing special pricing and rebates which effectively make it free. ...more

Mandrake betas portable Linux

Mandrake is to sell a version of its GNU/Linux operating system which runs entirely off a CD. Indeed the boxed edition includes a USB memory stick on which you can store your files and configuration settings - and all for €69.90 (about ?49). ...more

BT to broaden broadband options

BT is considering proposals to offer wholesale broadband on a 'pay-as-you-go' or 'by bandwidth' basis to ISPs. The pricing options will be available later this year to BT's IPStream customers, and will mean those ISPs can pay month-by-month, by network usage or based on capacity used. With the former a ISP would pay lower access charges for each of its customers and would pay a varying usage charge, while the latter would mean the ISP pays slightly more for carrying the ISPs aggregated data on BT's network but would not take into account how many users that represented. ...more

Nordic regulators considering iTunes legal battle

Nordic regulators will meet in Iceland this month to discuss the possibility of legal action against Apple if the company does not agree to loosen restrictions on iTunes Music Store downloads. The meeting will determine whether consumer rights agencies from Norway, Sweden and Denmark will pursue separate cases or a joint action, although a final decision will not be taken until after talks with Apple scheduled for September. The regulators want Apple to allow songs bought through iTunes to be played on portable devices other than iPods. ...more

Linspire updates laptop-friendly Linux system

Linspire has announced version 5.0 of its Linux operating system. Like the latest batch of releases, 5. ...more