Web Wish Lists Include Voting, Jury Duty, Personal Training

Consumers have lofty expectations for Internet service capabilities over the next three years, with Web wish lists that include driver’s license renewal, major election voting, and jury duty service, according to a new study.

About half of the computer users surveyed went so far as to say they wanted the Internet to aid with household chores like laundry, plant and lawn watering, and home security. On a more serious note, more than three-quarters of the participants surveyed said they viewed high-speed Internet access as an essential or important feature of their homes in the next decade. And about 60 percent said they are interested in a resource such as a personal Internet "trainer" to improve their online skills, the study found.

The study, which was released today, was sponsored by Dell Computer Corp. [NASDAQ:DELL] and based on the backbone for that access."

The study also found that about half of the computer users surveyed said they would download and read books from the Web, while 61 percent said they look forward to the day they can order, download, and watch films on their PCs. Finally, about 64 percent said they are interested in watching Broadway shows and live concerts via the Internet.