Not quite an iPad, not quite a laptop and not quite an alarm clock, the Sony Dash is showing up at the top of a lot of Father’s Day gift lists. The Sony Dash is intended as the most costly, interactive alarm clock you’ve ever purchased. The Sony Dash can connect you to the web and run applications although it is pricey.
The features of Sony Dash
First, the tech specs of the Sony Dash. Although a battery version is coming, the device is plug in only. There is a seven-inch touch screen, with power and “snooze” buttons along the top. The display is 800 x 480 pixels. The RAM has 256 MB and has a 500 MHz processor. There are built-in stereo speakers and WiFi connections. The operating system of the Dash is Linux, with a Chumby-based interface.
What the Sony Dash will do
The Sony Dash is essentially intended as a “first glance” alarm clock and media center. Youtube, Pandora, Netflix and other media applications will play on the Sony Dash.Depending on the developed applications you download, you can also access Twitter, Facebook and other social networking applications.In order to use the applications, you have to have wireless internet with your house. Without wireless internet, the Sony Dash is really just a $ 200 alarm clock.
The Sony Dash and what it doesn’t do
The Sony Dash does have its limitations. You’ve to stay next to a power outlet since it doesn’t have a battery. There is also no programming solution for streaming or downloading your own content; you can only stream things off the internet. Third, the Sony Dash does not necessarily log you into all your preferred applications; you may have to go to your Sony Dash account on a computer to do so.
Who the Sony Dash is good for
A hardcore computer user might think the Sony Dash is just an expensive toy. For others that only use computers once in a while to look at pictures and watch a TV show, though, the Sony Dash may be a great option. The only major limitation is that without a pre-existing wireless internet connection, the Sony Dash is pretty much useless.
Unless you are able to find a neighbor that is willing to share wifi with you, the device will set you back about $ 250 with connections.
