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A pint of lager and access to the internet, please...

INTERNET FOR DRINKERS - the Cyber D computer system allows customers to shop without leaving the pub or club. Pictured are the firm's development director, left, Frank Wan and programmer John Wills

A RUSHDEN club has been trying out an Internet kiosk which looks set to take off in pubs and clubs through the country.

Kettering firm Cyber D has been trialling its machine at Rushden Band Club for the past six months before launching it nationwide.

It has already had one inquiry from abroad.

The machine means you can do your shopping, book a holiday, and send cards to your friends without leaving the pub.

Earlier versions of the machine are in the Athletic Club and the Band Club in Palk Road, Wellingborough.

Frank Wan, development director of Cyber D, which is based at St. Francis Close, Kettering, said: "The machines make it really fast and easy to link to the Internet using a clever but user friendly software package.

"You just put £1 in the slot to get ten minutes access. Microsoft chief Bill Gates said that in a few years time Internet consoles would be as popular as phones - and this is a step towards that."

Representatives of Cyber D were at Earls Court, London, last week to meet clients at a show specializing in entertainment machines for the leisure industry.
One of the UK's largest leisure companies has shown interest in the system.

Mr Wan said: "Several breweries and pub people are also interested.

"The systems are connected via phone lines, so they are very fast and the portals and links are all very accessible.

"They cost from about £2,500 and everything involved is state-of-the-art, including special infrared keyboards, touch sensitive pads and flat monitors which allow the machine to stand against a wall.

"Our trademark is Slurp The Net and the cursor is a pint of beer, which empties as it searches."

At present the business consists of three directors plus consultants for programming and graphic design.

Computalynx at Northampton will be the Internet service provider. Other firms involved are Cable and Wireless and Dell Computers. Stainless steel versions if the machines will be made by metalworkers H. B. Humphries of Kettering.