Packard Bell to Unveil PCs With TV, Radio

Packard Bell Electronics Inc. today will move mass-market personal computers another step toward being all-purpose information appliances by introducing PCs that also function as radios, televisions, voice mail systems and fax machines.

The Westlake Village-based company is also bringing a little fashion to the eggshell-dull computer world with removable plastic panels that can dress a machine in exotic hues such as teal or azure.

Although companies such as Compaq Computer Corp. have long combined computers, answering machines, faxes and CD-ROM players, privately held Packard Bell appears to be the first to bundle all that into a PC with TV and radio.

While it is unlikely that many people would choose a PC in place of a stereo or television, the Packard Bell machines give an early taste of what is likely to become common in the next decade: computer-based control and links to electronic devices throughout the home.

The computers range in price from $1,000 to $3,000.

Packard Bell has become an increasingly strong force in the PC business as purchases by consumers have surged.