Professional 3D computer graphics environment, from Gateway 2000

The G6-200 3D CG Professional, from Gateway 2000, is a 200-MHz Pentium Pro desktop PC with 64MB of EDO RAM and 3GB IDE hard disk. It comes preloaded with Softimage 3D (a computer graphics package marketed by MSA Corporation) and uses an Open GL Board (3DE-Turbo TX). Windows NT Workstation 3.51 is preinstalled.

Softimage 3D enables three-dimensional graphics work, from modeling to animation to rendering, with five smoothly interfaced modules, and includes animation production and high-end media creation tools. The development of the low-cost Open GL Board allows this total 3D graphics environment to be priced as low as JPY690,000. An educational-use version, the G6-200 3D CG Professional Academic System, lists for JPY880,000.

MSA Co., Ltd., CG System Division: 03-5688-1411

Japanese text browser and dictionary lookup tool

Read Japanese (RJ) from Basis Technology enables the user to read Japanese documents under any language version of Windows 95 or NT -- but it doesn't stop there. With a click of the mouse, the program's dictionary lookup tool helps the nonnative reader by displaying the pronunciation and translation of Japanese characters and words, thus eliminating the need to refer to a paper-based kanji or J/E dictionary.

RJ 1.0 provides a 172,000-word Japanese-to-English dictionary and 6,350-word kanji dictionary (which presents on and kun readings, JIS code, stroke count, "Nelson" number, and more). This valuable aid for students of Japanese (at all levels) lists for $199. For more information, see the RJ Web site at http://www.basistech.com/rj/.

Basis Technology Corp.: +1-617-679-0779

Plug & play Internet access via your TV

For those who don't want to deal with learning how to use a computer, choosing a provider, and other Internet hookup hassles, Taito Corporation and Kyocera Multimedia Corporation are offering Media Box. Just connect Media Box to a regular phone line and TV to get same-day access to the Internet. Media Box users can access karaoke, games services, and online news, plus (from spring 1997) e-mail and online shopping. A remote control and onscreen keyboard enables users to send e-mail or input URLs. Zooming in on text and graphics is also possible.

The services are provided by Kyocera Multimedia Corporation for a basic monthly fee of JPY1,500. There is an additional fee for Internet access (JPY350 per half-hour). Media Box, which comes with a cordless remote control and one microphone, is priced at JPY39,800.

Taito Corporation: 03-5352-0799

New entries in Compaq's Presario series

Aiming to make the computer as user-friendly as any common household appliance, Compaq has introduced a new line of home decor-style PCs. Each unit has an easy-to-use button panel for operating the PC, telephone, and CD player functions. The space-saving flagship model, the Presario 3020 (left) uses a 166-MHz Pentium; it is about 40% smaller than the average desktop PC, comes with a cordless mouse, and is priced at about JPY400,000. The Presario 4130 (middle), with 166-MHz Pentium CPU, is a high-performance PC for home and family use priced under JPY300,000. The game and graphics-oriented Presario 8716 (right), with a 200-MHz Pentium, powerful 3D graphics chip, and subwoofer, sells for about JPY400,000. All models come pre-loaded with a variety of software, 33.6K-bps internal modem, and CD-ROM drive.

Compaq Presario Support Center: 0120-099-589