sdc100 wrote:
I got it on Woot for $79 (NEW) on 5/16/11. Here is the link. Since I already had an Android Tablet (the Entourage Edge), I bought it specifically to use as a Dash/Chumby-like device to replace my bedroom clock radio. I especially like the stand it came with, which is very stable. And it has exceeded all expectations.

That's an interesting approach. Earlier in this thread I thought you were comparing tablets and the Dash, but I think you're really saying that you could 'sacrifice' an inexpensive tablet and leave it on the nightstand (or kitchen counter) the way you'd do with a Dash. That has some merit to it... the special features the Dash has (compared to the Chumby) could be replicated using a combination of apps and the tablet's browser, Chumby widgets could be run on the tablet if you purchase the Chumby app for Android, and you have access to the Android app universe for even more functionality. With a Skype-like app, your scheme could be used to potentially replace the Dash/alarm clock, phone, and notepad that take up space on a nightstand.

theguruguys wrote:
P.S. You've pointed me to the cheap tablet I'll likely buy to use to run XBMC remote for my theater room PC, I'll be able to leave it in that room for convenience.

That's a neat idea. Since most tablets don't have a built-in infrared transmitter, I'm guessing that the Android device used communicates to the XBMC-running media PC via the WiFi network?

You *almost* inspire me to search for my now unused and unloved PocketPC -- which does have an IR transceiver -- and repurpose it as a media-center remote control with its own TV and radio listings guide. Almost.

yytsang wrote:I just got mine today and it does not work. Got an error message : Error: Unable to download the Control Panel (No download information available). Please restart your dash(tm) to try again.
Restarted four times and charted Sony support guys and no hope to fix it

What network did you choose?
Did you make sure that the security settings match?

Security settings on the dash must match the settings of your router.

Connection quality could be low, try to set it up closer to your router to improve WIFI connection.

You could reset the whole thing by rebooting it (unplug the power and re-plug it) while holding the snooze/menu button. But before you do that tell us how far did you get setting up your dash?

sdc100 wrote:Here is the $79 Velocity Cruz R101 on its stand in portrait mode. It is far from being a great tablet but it's so much more useful than a Dash. So why buy a Dash when Woot will likely have the Cruz again?

My 6 year old would laugh at that thing compared to the dash. Nothing like being in bed staring at the alarm clock and can get the weather, news, sports scores, tweets, without hitting a single button. And the kids love the sleep function with netflix/amazon.

http://goo.gl/d88dE

I got mine yesterday and set it up last night. So far, so good. I did accidentally set up the clock with the wrong city and can't figure out how to change that. But the time zone is right. The alarm worked fine this morning.

Well I'm not able to get it to connect to my network. Firmware is 1.7.1186, older than what the description said it would be.

"This batch of Sony Dash product is loaded with Firmware versions 1.7.1254 to 1.7.1304, there are no 1.0.1111 versions which has caused issues for customers during updates"


How do I know this isn't a refurb?

edit: Finally got it online I had to disable all security on my router. Of course my wife was watching netflix at the time on the TV so that didn't go over so well LOL.

It is updating the firmware now. It also states here https://forum.sel.sony.com/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=10029 that a web browser was included in the update. Hopefully that is true.

dpn0121 wrote:
"This batch of Sony Dash product is loaded with Firmware versions 1.7.1254 to 1.7.1304,

Mine said it has version 1.7.1186 and the update it is downloading currently will be 1.7.1371

Got mine, updated and is running fine. Don't see a web browser though. Nifty little gadget. I have it set to scan local weather radar maps every 30 seconds plus news headlines. I like it very much. May have to get a second one.

So far I kind of hate it.

kennyminot wrote:Also, I don't get why anybody would want to watch Netflix on such a tiny screen.

@kenny: You may never see this late reply, but anyway...it's all perspective. If you are laying in bed watching this by yourself (assuming you might have OTHER interests if you AREN'T the only person in bed), then you have the screen pretty close to the eyes. Close enough that it is the equivalent of watching a 40-50 inch screen on the living room wall. The Dash has a fine enough screen to allow this , looking better than I see through my DVD streamer.

That said, Netflix and other video streams are just about the only reason I would buy this. The app selection is pretty much a joke. Yes, I do use it for a few alarms, but it maxes out at four maximum (though Scheduled Tasks fleshes that out a bit). YMMV

Anyone get stuck on the update? I've been waiting about 2 hours and the screen just says Sony and the sony logo on the bottom is flashing. I don't have a clue what to do now.

could any one tell me about the functionality & specification of this personal viewer . Looking too much delectably.

I live in a part of the US that is subject to some severe weather, especially snow storms. With that in mind I wanted:
1. A device that at a touch of the screen gives me an immediate 5 day forecast. A touch of a button automatically cycles me through several maps which give me increasingly detailed live regional radar maps. I can quickly and effortlessly see what weather is at my doorstep.
2. All this plus more that does not require a computer or TV on.

What I got from this purchase:
See 1 and 2.
I am very pleased.

l bought this for my husband. We have not been able to even set it up let alone use it in any fashion.We have gone to the website and cannot find any help there. It will not authorize when attempting to download the menu and goes no further. HELP!

Ordered a pair of these. One to use as an alarm clock, and one to sit on an end table in the family room to check the weather, occasional netflix, etc.

It would have been nice if the "Write your own apps!" feature noted that you needed to buy $250+ worth of Adobe software to do it.

I have a home automation system that I'd like to build a simple interface to (control lights and trigger A/V macros for the babysitter and in-laws that can't remember how to use the remote). That is looking less and less likely without buying Adobe to compile flash videos. Disappointing.

The video quality on this thing is superb however, and if it nothing more than a great web-enabled alarm clock it was worth the purchase price.

m3rkvry wrote:Any video I try to watch on Crackle instantly crashes the Dash. Anyone else had this problem? Any way to get the damned thing to work?

Yeah, it is doing it to me too now.

theguruguys wrote:For the same reasons I stated before. Nice big snooze button. 16x9 Screen. Better speakers, much more stable to sit on headboard, won't knock over half asleep in morning turning it off (and If I somehow did drop it, very little chance its gonna break with its rubberized sides), etc etc.

You have no idea how hard it would be to move that Cruz on that stand around on my headboard as I change positions while watching my Dr. Who going to bed... The dash's rubberized sides let me prop it over almost anywhere on my headboard and it stays at that angle. I have that problem with my Transformer.

I still say its comparing apples and oranges.

Dr. Who???? You're a geek. ;)

I would like to warn anyone thinking of purchasing this item (or any Sony item) from Woot! in the future that your Sony warranty is probably invalid. I had a problem with my dash and worked with Sony support which deemed my Dash defective and authorized a return to the Sony Repair center. However the Sony Repair center claims that Woot! is not an authorized Sony dealer and therefore my warranty is not valid. Woot! support claims that they are a Sony seller but have been unwilling to intervene on my behalf with Sony. Therefore, I am stuck with a defective unit and no way to get it fixed under warranty. This has been extremely frustrating, and I caution anyone considering purchasing from Woot! that their warranty claims are sometimes bogus.

new update adds browser. a bit slow though, clicking on links is not easy. but sort of works, better than nothing? maybe there will be an 'app' to push links for you from a channel :D

jamesbottomtooth wrote:new update adds browser. a bit slow though, clicking on links is not easy. but sort of works, better than nothing? maybe there will be an 'app' to push links for you from a channel :D

I tried the browser too last night, got close finishing a post here bot the "post" button ddi not work. It doesn't support flash videos or ssl security.

DennisWKam wrote:Sorry you've been having issues with Sony support. Did you get a case number and the name of the person that you talked to? Sony has been pretty helpful and they are usually willing to assist Woot customers.

Sorry it's taken so long to reply, but I just today received my repaired unit. As in my previous post, Sony initially declined to cover the repair under warranty. However, Woot must have intervened because Sony changed their tune, and covered the cost of the repair as well as the cost to ship it to them a second time. In summary, I place the blame on Sony and I think Woot was helpful in resolving the problem.

gotok wrote:Sorry it's taken so long to reply, but I just today received my repaired unit. As in my previous post, Sony initially declined to cover the repair under warranty. However, Woot must have intervened because Sony changed their tune, and covered the cost of the repair as well as the cost to ship it to them a second time. In summary, I place the blame on Sony and I think Woot was helpful in resolving the problem.

That's great! I feel a bit safer now. On another note the browser feature is JUST what i was waiting for. To be completely honest when it first arrived i was a bit disappointed with the lack of certain features. I just took a new mindset on the use of the device as more of a bedside assistant, and my love for it grew over time! Now with the added browser i can use it for exactly what i wanted all along, gamefaq's for guides while i play RPG's of the past!

I was able to get my TV-IP422WN streaming to the Dash tonight. I now have a great baby video monitor.

I love this thing!