Microworkz iToaster, a Windows-Free PC, Ships July 15

Microworkz.com opens orders July 1 for the iToaster, a stripped-down personal computer that runs without Windows entirely, with units shipping July 15. The machine comes with a keyboard, a mouse, an Intel processor, and a 2.1 GB hard drive, and it is styled to look like a stereo component. You supply your own monitor (anything capable of 800 x 600).

The software side covers the basics: a word processor, a spreadsheet, and viewing for common graphics formats like TIFF, JPEG, and BMP. Printers, scanners, and digital cameras are supported too. Microworkz has built its name on cheap computers, and a box that drops the Windows license altogether is the logical next step. No price was announced, which is the one number I actually wanted.

An iToaster Kids version is also on the way, with built-in blocking for sites that are not appropriate for children. Parents can restrict additional sites of their own choosing, and can log into a Microworkz.com page to see exactly where their kid has been browsing. Orders open July 1 by phone or through the Microworkz.com site.