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With 35 million subscribers worldwide (vs. 9 million for MSN), AOL will continue to have the edge, if only from subscriber inertia. But that may not last long. Microsoft's $21.95-a-month charge is $1.95 less than AOL's, and its broadband access ranges from $40 to $50 a month, vs. $55 for AOL. MSN subscribers also get free versions of Microsoft's encyclopedia and bill-paying and photo-editing software.
If I were a new online subscriber, I would choose MSN over AOL. Its interface is just as easy for newbies to learn and use, and you can always keep in touch with AOL buddies through the free AOL Instant Messenger program. But for those who enjoy AOL members-only chat rooms and message boards, the new features are reason enough to stick around. At least until MSN 9 comes out.
You can e-mail Anita your questions at hamilton@time.com