When the touchscreen Sony Dash was first announced, many geeks automatically hoped for an iPad rival. But those hopes were soon, um, dashed when the Dash turned out to be less tablet and more improved tabletop clock radio with Internet access.
But given that the large share of consumers aren’t of the geeky kind, could Sony actually be potentially on to something with its re-interpretation of a staple seen in many homes nationwide?
Let’s take a closer look at Sony’s new Dash Personal Internet Viewer.
PROS
It’s a multi-tasker: Used to be that clock radios only needed to tell the time and access the musical air waves. But the biggest pro for the Dash, which is basically a souped-up Chumby, is the multitude of things that it can do. Besides doubling as a digital picture frame, the device’s ability to access more than 1,000 free apps for things like weather, news, sports scores, games and food makes it a very versatile device.
Wireless connectivity: By being able to connect to the Web, the Dash can use some neat Internet-enabled services. Access to Internet radio services such as Pandora is a pretty big plus. So is the ability to stream video from YouTube and Netflix. You can even stream content from your Facebook account, such as your news feed and photos.
Touch capability: A touch interface always means users don’t have to fiddle too much with a button interface, which typically has a higher learning curve. It also has a built-in accelerometer that automatically adjusts the orientation of the screen.
Good display: The Dash’s 7-inch 800x480 capacitive color screen features vivid colors and looks pretty nice. It can also play Windows Media Video and MP4 (H.264) up to 1080p.
Other extras: A USB port helps make it easy to port over your media. A headphone jack makes it possible to add speakers, too.
CONS
No built-in browser: For a device that bills itself as a “Personal Internet Viewer,” a browser would sound like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the Dash doesn’t have one, which is a wasted opportunity.
Lag issues: Operating the Dash can get laggy, which is especially obvious if you’ve tried out smooth Android and Apple iOS interfaces. I’ve also had the device hang up on me a few times while it communicates with the Internet, which required the device to be unplugged and re-started.
Not-so-simple set up, interface: In order to take advantage of the Dash’s apps, you have to use a computer to set it up. You basically need to create a Sony Style account, then go to the My Dash Web site and configure your device and apps there. It would’ve been nice to be able to set up the Dash through the device itself as the current system would be too daunting to folks like my mom and grandma.
No dedicated full battery: I guess this isn’t as much of an issue since the Dash doesn’t have a browser. But it would‘ve been nice if it came with a rechargeable battery so you can carry it with you around the house when you play games and check apps.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
In reviewing the Dash, I was surprised by how much I ended up liking it, given my low expectations. Reaction was especially positive from non-tech savvy friends and relatives, who thought the device was quite neat.
At the very least, I would recommend this to folks looking for a digital picture frame. I mean, why settle for a device that pretty much just does one thing when you can get a multi-tasker like the Dash?
As a tabletop device for the bedroom or kitchen, I think Sony is potentially on the cusp of something really good here. But it has to address issues such as lag and the not-so-intuitive set up process if it wants to really take the next step.
Cost: $199.99
GUIDE TO STAR RATINGS
Since star ratings can vary from guide to guide, here is an explanation of the star system I used for this review:
1 to 1.5: Just like the idea to change the formula for Classic Coke. Utterly horrible.
2 to 2.5: Below average. Had at least one redeeming quality that saved it from being an unmitigated disaster.
3: Average: Middle of the pack. Not bad but still has some key caveats to consider. A decent product overall.
3.5: Good: A solid product. In most cases, it’s something with great potential but is held back by some minor drawbacks. Good enough to be recommended.
4: Very Good: A great product that does almost everything well.
4.5: Excellent: Top class. You pretty much can’t go wrong with it — in my humble opinion, of course.
5: Best of the best: Gadget nirvana. As of this review, I have yet to give a 5-star rating to any product. Reserved for gadgets that are either revolutionary or do a certain thing exceptionally well.
