Sony eVilla

Model NTE-D101 combined a 15-inch Trinitron CRT, BeIA software and a 56K modem. It was built for web browsing, email and streamed media without a conventional PC. It cost $499 and required EarthLink dial-up service at $21.95 a month.

Sony withdrew it from participating US retailers on 30 August, citing stability and usability shortcomings. The associated consumer service ended on 13 September 2001.

The eVilla illustrated the limitations of dedicated internet appliances at a time when manufacturers were trying to make web access simpler than using a conventional PC. Its portrait-oriented display and dedicated controls offered an alternative approach, but the required EarthLink subscription restricted its flexibility. Its rapid withdrawal exposed the risks of tying specialised hardware to proprietary software and a continuing service. Contemporary newspaper reviews questioned its usability and value, while Sony's refund programme and September 2001 service shutdown left the eVilla as a short-lived experiment in consumer internet access.

- Sony presented the eVilla at CES in Las Vegas in January 2001; an archived release transcript gives 5 January as the probable announcement date. - Sony announced its commercial launch on 14 June, with United States availability expected in late June. - The exact first-sale date remains unresolved, although a retail unit was under hands-on review by 6 July.

- The 15-inch FD Trinitron ran at 800 × 1024 in portrait orientation; reviews put the all-in-one unit at approximately 31–32 pounds. - BeIA and the Opera browser supported web browsing, email and streamed media over a built-in 56K dial-up modem. - Dedicated WEB, EMAIL and eVilla Home controls sat alongside speakers and a Memory Stick slot.

- Reviews praised aspects of the display and web compatibility but criticised the interface, storage and software restrictions. - Sony cited stability and usability shortcomings when it announced the withdrawal on 30 August 2001. - Purchasers were offered refunds covering the hardware, subscription charges and related expenses. - The original consumer service ended on 13 September 2001, although individual physical units survive.

**Region:** United States **Associated With:** Sony Electronics - developer and marketer **Defining Feature:** Portrait-oriented 15-inch Trinitron CRT built for web browsing and email **Status:** Discontinued - withdrawn from participating United States retailers on 30 August 2001; associated consumer service ended on 13 September 2001

United States

Sony Electronics - developer and marketer

Portrait-oriented 15-inch Trinitron CRT built for web browsing and email

Discontinued - withdrawn from participating United States retailers on 30 August 2001; associated consumer service ended on 13 September 2001

- **Sony eVilla NTE-D101 Getting Started Guide** - **Archived Transcript of Sony's CES eVilla Press Release — January 2001** - **Sony Pulls Plug on eVilla — InternetNews, 30 August 2001** - **Sony eVilla Withdrawal — Los Angeles Times, 31 August 2001**

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