A new generation of stripped-down computers, designed only to offer access to e-mail and the Internet, will be on the market before Christmas, according to the British electronic store chain Dixons.

The simplified machines are likely to cost about £200 sterling (€305) and will provide a huge boost to the number of people hooking up to the Web for information, education and shopping.

A lot of customers only want e-mail, Internet and domestic applications," said Sir Stanley Kalms, the chairman of Dixons, yesterday.

The Dixons group, which includes PC World, The Link and Currys, reported that it sold 27 per cent more computers last year - but the value of those sales was up just 3 per cent. Dixons has six outlets in Ireland, including one PC World and one Currys store.