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Thanks to Observer Karl Smith who sent us a note about a new Internet service being offered by online shopping club Costco. Costco is offering a low-cost ISP service, through MSN, but Macs are Not Allowed. According to their ISP web page:
Minimum System Requirements:
- Computer/Processor PC 486/66 or higher (not available for Macintosh computers)
- VGA or higher resolution graphics card
- Sound card and speakers recommended
- Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
- CD-ROM drive
- Memory: 16 MB of RAM
- Operating System: Windows® 95,Windows 98
- Modem: a 14.4 Kbps modem (faster modem recommended for optimum performance).
- Internet Explorer 4.0- This CD-ROM includes Internet Explorer 4.0 browser software.
- Hard Disk: 82 MB needed for install; 55MB available space needed after install is complete.
As Karl pointed out, this is too bad because a low-priced access account would possibly be attractive to many Mac users. The pricing is very low, $35.97 billed in 3 month increments, or $11.99 a month.
The Mac Observer Spin: There ar hundreds of ISPs around the country who somehow manage to support Macs. When service providers build in these artificial limits, it just makes no sense. For instance, how is a Microsoft Mouse necessary to gain Internet access. By the same token, what difference does it make which browser one is using, just to gain access. Admittedly, it is possible to build some kind of login page that has been deliberately constructed to require something that IE or Netscape has, but other than that, signing on to the Internet through a modem has nothing to do with your browser!
The same thing goes with one's choice of operating systems. Logging into an ISP requires that the OS and modem conform to some set of standards like TCP/IP. The Mac does this. Costco's service elimination of Macs has no real necessary basis in need other than the desire to not support them. The Mac Observer is always an advocate of the freedom of businesses to offer whatever services they choose. We, in the meanwhile, are free to ridicule and belittle their decision to not support Macs.
Remember Costco's choice if you ever consider joining their shopping club.
Costco
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