One of the earliest attempts to offer a total solution for online gaming. Not a PC mind you, just games.

The unit used game cards that had units on them. Play time was deducted from the cards.

The unit could use a keyboard for online chat. "Online" back then consisted of BBS structures like the Imagination Network, which for years had developed and actually run online roleplaying games and user vs. user games like Red Baron.

What is most remarkable about this unit is the fact that is had the support of a major telephone company.

In the end, the $150 price was probably way too optimistic (Much higher probably), and the price to the consumer probably deemed too high.

A real shame that ATT never put to work all of the research that surely went into the EDGE. Other similar units actually came to market, like X-Band and the SEGA Channel. WebTV came along and really started towards to eventual set top box / integrated PC/TV.

From the quality of the mock-up it looks to be a truely well thought out concept.

ANY further information is GREATLY desired.