WebTV2 / MSNTV2 Buyers Guide
If you are in the Market for a WebTV2, this article will help you decide whether the brand new WebTV2 / MSNTV2 is right for you. Many years ago I owned a regular WebTV and I have to say that I really enjoyed using it. Since then, I have gotten used to using a computer and I am not sure if I would still enjoy using it. The reason why I originally purchased the WebTV was the fact that I didn’t want to invest the money into buying a computer. And at that time, you would be looking at spending well over $1000 dollars.
Today we have an updated system called the MSNTV 2 or commonly called the WebTV2. This system is really nice, and I would totally consider purchasing one. However, as much as the system sports such new and advanced features, unfortunately it pretty much comes shipped out of the box slightly out dated for Internet purposes. For one, the standard screen resolution for most web sites are best viewed in 1024×768 screen resolution, which puts the WebTV2 behind the curve… even after their update by increasing to 800×600.
For me, that is pretty much the only issue that prevents me from buying one. I recently purchased a Nintendo Wii and I go online with that, and I have to say it is pretty fun. I do miss the wireless keyboard that is provided with WebTV and for the life of me, I can’t understand why Nintendo doesn’t manufacture one for their Wii?
If you don’t like sitting at a computer desk and can’t afford a laptop, you could enjoy a WebTV2. They are pretty fun and very functional and sport a very nice price of $200.00. If you are a computer geek, then you will not want to own one because you will quickly discover its limitations. However, for surfing the Internet, checking email and opening email attachments, you can’t go wrong… You can even access the Internet in high speed!
If you are wanting to purchase a WebTV2 and or a laptop or a computer, bookmark or save this page to your favorites. Investigate all the resources made available. Don’t make a quick purchase. Resort back to this page so that you can learn about all the offers being presented to you. You might think you are getting a great deal but then soon discover an even better one.
2 comments
Since Nintendo released the Opera browser for their Wii console, the Wii community has been on tenterhooks as to
whether there will be a keyboard released for the Wii to ease Internet browsing.
Currently, to navigate from page to page, the Wii user must point and shoot with
the Wiimote. This is not always accurate and makes typing a slow process.
Under pressure from fans, Nintendo has decided to release information on the
upcoming solution to the typing issue. However, rather than a conventional
keyboard, Nintendo have a much wackier idea.
"We are all for innovation," stated a Nintendo spokesman.
"Conventional keyboards are too dull for our company, so we’ve come up with
something which matches the Wii’s ethos a bit better."
Nintendo has developed what they are calling "Charade Technology". Holding two Wiimotes, one in each hand, the user acts out the character, word,
or phrase that he/she wishes to appear on screen. The Wii interprets these
suggestions with a "high accuracy" (according to Nintendo).
The Wiimote is the name given to the controllers for the game console. Each is
fitted with a 3D motion sensor and infra-red transmitter which can be used to
give the user a new freedom of control, unlike conventional joy-pads.
To type a web address, for instance http://peevelog.com, the user switches to
character mode and holds the Wiimotes above his/her head to form a W shape.
Pushing the Wiimotes forwards and back repeats this character. The dot is a
quick stabbing motion, and so on.
"This technology is only limited to the user’s imagination," insisted
the spokesman. "You simply build up your own vocabulary of gestures. It’s
like a personal sign language."
Nintendo is defensive about claims that their technology is not accessible to all
people. They have stated their commitment to making the Wii accessible to all
and have stated a head mount for the Wiimote will be released Q4 2007.
In response to the revelation, we asked one geek his opinion: "When will
developers learn to kiss? That’s Keep It Simple, Stupid! I’ve already destroyed
two LCDs with this bloody Wii. I wonder if it will recognize the two-fingered
salute gesture?!"
After doing some more research on this, there is a mod chip that you can install so that you can plug in a conventional keyboard to the Wii. What doesn’t make sense though is that people are having to go to such extremes to achieve this. And honestly, I speak from experience… I do surf the Internet using my Wii, and it really is fun… and could be so much better if I had a wireless keyboard such as that back when I had a WebTV. I still to this day would enjoy having a MSN TV 2 if there wasn’t the 800px max resolution.
I have to give it up for Nintendo though, the Wii is very cool. I love it. But I am surprised to discover that Nintendo left some doors open for others to improve on easily. Microsoft could easily develop an xbox360/MSN TV 2 combined into one and also pick up on the remote sensor games, etc… and knock Nintendo in the dirt….
I just don’t see how difficult it would have been for Nintendo to include USB drivers for a conventional keyboard. It’s not wireless, but still… its a keyboard, and you don’t even get that! Totally weird.
Thanks for the comment.
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