Sony Dash HID C10
 

I have had a Nokia N800 NIT for years. Recently my daughter flaunted her Android phone in front of me, asking if I can view NetFlix movies. I went on eBay and purchased a Sony Dash, basically a high end alarm clock for $90. It has a seven inch screen and has WiFi, and of course, streams NetFlix movies. I continue to use my N800 for 99% of everything I need to do. My "alarm clock" not only has a bigger screen than my daughter's phone, but also never runs low on battery (because it has no battery, ac only). Also, it has bigger and better sound, HA!

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

I was looking at these, but the lack of a battery backup makes it a no go as an alarm clock.

But, I have to say that I've been intrigued by it. It's sort of like my old n800, a "jack of all trades and master of none" device whose concept just seems to befuddle most people. However, there is a rumor that Sony will refresh the line soon, including a model with a battery backup. (Could be why we are seeing the Dash at really deep discounts lately.)

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

I am using it as a monitor for the baby (most of the time). put a wireless webcam inside the bedroom, and use the DASh to monitor it from the kitchen so u know when she is awake. At the same time you will get the weather forecast :)

U got a cheap monitoring system and yeah can play amazon videos, netflix , youtube, pandora.

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

Can you tell me the "app" you installed on the Dash to do that?

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

There is also the Archos home connect which looks like an interesting alternative
http://www.archos.com/products/ah/ar...try=us&lang=en

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

So, with Amazon/W00t pushing the price down to $80 (US), I decided to get the Dash.

As you probably know, the Dash utilizes Sony's interpretation of the Chumby OS (which is itself Linux-based, sort-of FOSS). I looked around, and Chumby themselves actually has a hardware offering (the Chumby8) that is a little nicer spec'd than the Dash. But, what Sony can give you that you can't get with pure Chumby is Netflix streaming.

I suppose this again implies that sometimes if you want to produce a product with consumer appeal, you do need corporate resources and cooperation (the likes of which Sony can leverage, while Chumby perhaps can't). The corollary being that if you want access to shiny goodies like Netflix, outlook integration, flash, et al., you can't subsist on a FOSS ecosystem alone.

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

I noticed that the model with internal rechargable battery is out. It is called the HID-B70-B7. Unfortunately, you can only watch NetFlix for about an hour before the battery dies.

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

The DASH actually runs the same application feature set as some the Sony online connected HDTVs. That's where they get their streaming clients such as netflix, Amazon, etc....

In fact, when you go to activate the netflix viewer, it's recognized as a Sony HDTV (Bravia, I think...).

The Chumby component is similar to the Chumby OS, but it's hard coded to link to the Sony Dash web repository so it can't be modified to run apps from chumby.com. It runs in parallel to the video streaming services.

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

I had recently looked at all the various HDTV's at Best Buy seeing if you can buy an inexpensive TV that has built-in WiFi and can view NetFlix movies. None found. My Sony is still the cheapest way to view NetFlix in any room of my home.

Re: Sony Dash HID C10
 

Here ya go:
http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-E322VL-3.../dp/B003VQQVD0

I've used the 42 inch 3D version of this TV and the internet streaming apps were really great. It even had a QWERTY keyboard on the underside of the TV remote!