Microsoft offers free PC for MSN customers

Microsoft Corporation announced Wednesday that new customers of theMicrosoft Network (MSN) who sign up for three years of Internet service willreceive a free computer from the company. The announcement follows a similardeal from AOL/CompuServe two weeks ago.

"We are excited to team up with Lan Plus to make MSN Internet Accessavailable to its customers" said Rob Bennett, group product manager for theConsumer and Commerce Group at Microsoft. "The recent accolades are a resultof our investment in the access business, and with agreements like the onewith Lan Plus we can help more and more consumers get online and explore theWeb."

Users who sign up for three years of MSN--at a cost of $650--will receive aLAN Plus computer with a 400 MHz AMD microprocessor. The monitor is extra,however.

In a separate announcement regarding MSN, Microsoft announced that it wouldno longer charge an additional $10 a month for premium content, such asMoneyCentral