The PepperPad ($849.99 direct) is the latest in a long line of gizmos designed to make the Internet easier to use at home.  It is a noble idea, but a quick run down of the specs on the PepperPad shows that an ordinary, entry level laptop is probably a better bet for getting online and getting things done. The PepperPad comes with a 800x600 screen, a 20GB hard drive, and a 802.11B connection. For the same price, you could get a Dell Inspiron 6000 with a 40GB hard drive and 802.11G!

Perhaps the biggest drawback to the PepperPad is that is still uses a USB 1.1 connection to move files on and off the device, giving new justification to all those vendors boasting about offering "high-speed" USB 2.0.

To be sure, the notebook form factor isn't ideal for all home applications. I would love to have a Tablet that would get me online fast, play video, and let me read some ebooks on the couch.  Unfortunately, the PepperPad isn't it. If you don't believe me, check out PC Magazine's full review.