PC firms keep options open

Amid Microsoft's antitrust troubles, personal computer makers are testing the waters of browser choice by eschewing exclusivity, offering Netscape's Navigator along with Internet Explorer.

IBM will offer Netscape on Win 98 Big Blue will offer both Navigator and Internet Explorer browsers on its Aptiva consumer PCs. NEC laptop doesn't bundle IE 4 The PC maker will begin selling a new portable with Windows 95 that has Microsoft's Web browser icon hidden. Microsoft gives on Gateway update Gateway's move to give users of its PCs more choice in selecting Internet browsers signals another concession by Microsoft. Gateway offers financing, Net service update The direct PC vendor debuts a financing program and a host of other while promoting its own Internet service.