(2/16/99)

Sick of waiting in line at the post office? A new product may help.

For the first time, the United States Postal Service has approved a pc-based program that sells postage. The system allows customers to download and print postage 24 hours a day in their own homes.

"Simply postage" is produced by Neopost, the company that developed the first electronic postage meter. The package includes the computer program, a digital postage scale, printing labels and even a credit for $50 worth of free postage.

How much does this convenience cost? The system costs $49.99 plus a $17.95 monthly maintance fee.

You can purchase the system at major office supply stores or through the company's web site at www.simplypostage.com.