Compaq moves to sue eMachines

The air is thick with flying writs in Houston, as Compaq takes steps to sue eMachines -- the maker of cut-down Internet computers. The suit alleges 13 separate infringements of Compaq patented technology, although the details of what these technologies might be are thin on the ground. eMachines is owned by Korea Data Systems (KDS), which is also named in the action, which was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District in Houston, Texas. Another of KDS' companies is named in the suit -- Trigem Computer and its US counterpart Trigem America. eMachines makes computers that are geared toward making home Internet access easier and cheaper. It machines have figured in a number of "giveaway PC" deals in the US. Earlier this year, eMachines said it would sell up to two million of its cut-down PCs and outlined plans to float before the year was out. ®