Oracle Corp chairman and chief executive Larry Ellison has predicted that Apple Computer will become "one of the leaders in network computing".

Ellison, who was named on Apple's board in August and is a friend of Apple co-founder and interim chief executive Steve Jobs, said: "You'll see Apple with wonderful low-cost digital appliances."

Cupertino, California-based Apple - which employs 1,500 people in Ireland - has already said it was exploring other applications for its hand-held computer, the Newton, and is opening new markets for the Emate, a seashell-shaped green computer that is doing well in the education market.

Since returning to Apple in a more active role, Jobs, (42), has made a number of pivotal decisions, among them virtually ending the cloning of the Macintosh; orchestrating a $150 million investment from former nemesis Microsoft Corp; and assembling a high-powered, technology-savvy board of directors.

"We are evaluating how network computers, as one of the emerging trends in the computing industry, might benefit our key customer segments," said Apple spokeswoman Ms Katie Cotton.