For all the hype about Sony's Dash Personal Internet Viewer, a touch screen device that brings the Internet, in bite-sized nuggets, to your fingertips, it's basically a glorified alarm clock. It's a sleek package, but the Dash has some issues. Chumby apps are available to download on the Dash, and even Sony's My Dash Web site, where you personalize your content choices by syncing to services like Slacker, Pandora, and Netflix, not only references the Chumby, but ends up being a Chumby URL. Sony worked closely with the company while designing the Dash. In fact, the Dash seems, more or less, like a souped-up Chumby.
Video support should be included in a future update, and eventually, the Dash will support WMV 9, Microsoft VC-1, and MPEG 4.10/H.264 video files. Getting the Dash up and running is a breeze, but for one minor issue. Sony's Dash Web site is where you select apps for your device; there are well over 1,000 apps in categories like Games, Humor, Lifestyle, Webcams, and even Weird. To truly customize your music on the Dash, for example, you need to organize and sync your info with various services like Slacker and Pandora through Sony's Dash Web site on a computer (there's no browser on the Dash itself). My thinking: If I need a laptop to tweak the content on my Dash, I'm tempted to just stay on the laptop. The Dash, like the Chumby, merely feeds you bite-sized morsels of the Internet. Sure, the Dash has Facebook and Twitter apps, and you can even tap into your Netflix account and view Watch Instantly titles. But why, when you have other devices that are more portable and have more robust Internet capabilities than the Dash?There are Slacker and Pandora Internet radio apps but audio doesn't even sound that great through the Dash's speakers, though you could pop in a pair of headphones. While it rarely stuttered while streaming over Wi-Fi, the size of the video is not as large as the Dash's small screen—leaving a useless border around its edges. One thing the Dash does really well: It's a fantastic alarm clock. For $100 or so, I'd be singing the Dash's praises if it basically did just that.
· Pros
Sleek design with bright touch screen. Excellent alarm clock features. Mainstream apps like Facebook and Slacker Radio work well. All apps are free.
· Cons
Overall product concept seems a bit flawed. Scope and abilities of apps is limited. Not very portable since it needs to be plugged in.
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