The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
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"Fun Frivolous Gadget" on by greydevil
Pros: As the editor's review points out the Chumby doesnt truly excel at any one thing, but it's price makes this an easy purchase to make. This device packs a lot of charm and functionality.
Cons: Viewing video to the device will not always work well. You have to make sure to access video content through apps. Also the functionality of the device is limited to how heavy your internet usage is, best for those that need to be connected often.
Summary: Summary: Buy if you need to constantly check email, RSS feeds, need a great alarm clock, etc.
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The editor fails to ever point out that the Chumby is a 100% open platform, and the makers encourage hacking and modding every aspect of the device (hardware and software). A huge advantage over a closed platform such as the iPod, so comparison's to it are moot in my opinion... they are designed to do wildly different things.
One hidden feature for the device is that it can serve as a 3G to wi-fi router. So it can in fact become a standalone wi-fi hotspot, but so far this hasnt been released to regular Chumby users. Also the new Chumby has a microphone, which is underutilized at the moment but some in the community are working to implement VOIP apps (such as skype). There's plenty of other hidden features that are limited to the imagination of the community to implement. -
"What seemed like a cool concept fizzled in frustration." on by dowdogdanger
Pros: Compact size. Has not burst into flames.
Cons: User interface is inconsistent and has very small targets to touch with your finger. Simple tasks like turning on FM radio require many steps.
Frequent crashes/delays in loading the sites/features.Summary: If you want an alarm clock, get a Sony Dream Cube or use your phone. If you want a small web appliance, get a tablet or use your phone. If you want a technological orphan, get a Chumby.
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"Not a review but a question" on by soba18
Pros: The last review was in Dec. 2009. Has the product been updated since then ?
Cons: reviews are over 1 year old
Summary: Interested -12/09 review re: using it in kitchen sold me, until I realized there are no current (2/2011) reviews . Has product been updated ?
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"Great Little Gadget" on by HomerJayRI
Pros: Tons of Widgets to add that make it your own.
Ease of use.
Cute.Cons: Sound quality sketchy at higher levels.
Summary: I received this for Christmas this year and I absolutely love it. I mainly use it as a music streamer with Pandora and USB while I'm in the kitchen cooking dinner.
This isn't a high fidelity device, but the speaker is adequate for general duties. You can't have a house party with it.
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