keep expectations low...
Written: Sep 11 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: relative low cost, easy set up, simple to use
Cons: inability to download, monthly fee
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| titanic25's Full Review: Sony INT-W100 |
The WebTV is an OK product for those who want to get email and have the ability to get online. I can compare this to a computer, since I have used both quite a bit. THe WebTV does just what you would likely expect. It accesses the internet through the TV. It may be nice to have a large monitor (size of TV versus size of PC monitor), but it just doesnt have the power to do nearly as much.
WebTV may have been great in 1995 when I got my first one, because of low initial cost, but it just doesn't pay to get one nowadays. Since many places offer free Internet Service, you could just get a PC (used for 200-300) and be able to do much more. The PC can write papers, run many programs, play games, etc. The WebTV does allow you to view web pages, receive email, see message boards, and more. But it does not allow downloading or using many different options such as Javascript, MP3, etc. There are upgrades every few months, but usually not very worthy. They just started getting Real Audio onto WebTV. The ISP for WebTV is Microsoft Internet Explorer, and monthly fee is about $20/month There is not much storage to save anything, besides some deleted/sent emails. The modem is alright, but not very quick compared to a high speed connection or DSL. Sometimes, I have had trouble even connecting to the WebTV server to get online at all. It does have a port for a printer and a slot for a smart card, but the printer must be purchased seperate (of course). If you have a connector on your TV for a S-cable, the picture will be very clear.
The remote that operates the webtv is ok and also operates Sony TV's. But I would highly recommend getting the wireless keyboard to surf the web. It just takes too long with the remote control! The keyboard is roughly $30.
Basically, with the free internet (if you don't mind some ads) or cheaper services available, it just doesn't make much sense to get a Webtv for most people. It is nice to be able to switch back and forth to the TV and the WebTV, but one could have the TV and PC next to each other also. In my opinion, stick with the PC.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
titanic25
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Member: PHIL SCHERZ
Location: Saint Francis, WI
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 1 member
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