Computer Briefs

Irvine, Calif. — After a three-year absence Gateway has returned to the Japanese market where it will sell two notebook and a desktop computer line. Gateway announced it intended to return to this market earlier this year when it acquired eMachines. eMachines' previously established presence in the Japanese retail sector gave Gateway a quick and easy way to return to a market where it once sold 1.5 million PCs between 1994 to 2001. Gateway's black-and-white cow boxes should grace Japanese store shelves by January 2005.

Chicago — U.S. Robotics earlier this month introduced its 802.11g wireless network starter kit, which is selling through TigerDirect.com and distribution. The kit utilizes U.S. Robotic's three-step installation plan, contains a router, USB adapter and has a $99 suggested retail price.

Miami — Alienware has introduced the DHS 2 Media Center PC series. These configure-to-order computers have a starting price of $1,399 and can be customized to take up to 4GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. It features a low-profile stereo-component industrial design and is intended to act as a home's entertainment center replacing a DVD/CD player, FM tuner and DVR. It is now available direct from the company.