Rating: Summary: Not terribly interesting Review: This device is really just a table PC with some extra software and a USB transmitter. It looks nice and has reasonable ergonomics, but it only makes sense under the following conditions:1) You only have one computer 2) You have no intention of setting up a wireless network 3) You use Windows XP The biggest problem with this device is that it costs more than many laptop computers. It's not hard to find new laptops that cost less then [$$$] , and it's quite easy to pick up a used laptop for much less than this. You can do more with a laptop on a wireless network than you can do with this device, and it's cheaper. If you have two or more computers in your home now and you have a broadband connection, then you either already have a LAN set up with a DSL or Cable router. You can replace that unit with a wireless version for [$$$]. Wireless routers typically have 4 wired ports on the back, so you can just plug your existing computers into the back (meaning you don't have to purchase wireless ethernet cards for your old machines). Then you pick up a laptop for [$$$], and buy a wireless ethernet card for it for [$$$]. So, throw in some shipping, and you're up to [$$$]. That's still [$$$] cheaper than the AirPanel, and what you have is actually better in many ways. Even if you only have one computer right now, this approach is still better, because now you have a network that's expandable. Lets say you get a third computer later on. Bam, just connect it to your router (either wirelessly or with wires, your choice). No fuss, it just works. That won't work with the AirPanel tranceiver. Consider public hotspots also. The AirPanel won't work with them because it's looking for a direct connection to one machine. But the laptop with wireless ethernet card will work with public hotspots. If you already have a wireless router, the economics become even more compelling. Now the cost is more like [$$$] for a superior setup. Then there's the fact that the AirPanel only works with Windows XP. That leaves all other flavors of Windows out of the picture (98, 2000, NT, etc.). It also means you can't use this with your Mac or your Linux box. That's pretty limiting. A lot of people don't want to use XP because of the "activation" issue, as well as the other forms of spyware embedded in Windows XP. Personally I wouldn't touch XP with a 100 meter cattle prod. There's really no excuse for this product only working with XP. It should just plug-n-play friendly on any 802.11b network that presents itself. The XP limitation is a symptom of bad design that makes me wonder what other corners they might have cut on this product. I could go on, but the bottom line is that a laptop with a wireless ethernet card is cheaper than the AirPanel, it's more flexible (it does more things under a wider range of circumstances), and doesn't require you to be running Windows XP. And that's why I say this product is not interesting. It does less for more money. Why would I want to do that???
Rating: Summary: Not terribly interesting Review: This device is really just a table PC with some extra software and a USB transmitter. It looks nice and has reasonable ergonomics, but it only makes sense under the following conditions: 1) You only have one computer 2) You have no intention of setting up a wireless network 3) You use Windows XP The biggest problem with this device is that it costs more than many laptop computers. It's not hard to find new laptops that cost less then [$$$] , and it's quite easy to pick up a used laptop for much less than this. You can do more with a laptop on a wireless network than you can do with this device, and it's cheaper. If you have two or more computers in your home now and you have a broadband connection, then you either already have a LAN set up with a DSL or Cable router. You can replace that unit with a wireless version for [$$$]. Wireless routers typically have 4 wired ports on the back, so you can just plug your existing computers into the back (meaning you don't have to purchase wireless ethernet cards for your old machines). Then you pick up a laptop for [$$$], and buy a wireless ethernet card for it for [$$$]. So, throw in some shipping, and you're up to [$$$]. That's still [$$$] cheaper than the AirPanel, and what you have is actually better in many ways. Even if you only have one computer right now, this approach is still better, because now you have a network that's expandable. Lets say you get a third computer later on. Bam, just connect it to your router (either wirelessly or with wires, your choice). No fuss, it just works. That won't work with the AirPanel tranceiver. Consider public hotspots also. The AirPanel won't work with them because it's looking for a direct connection to one machine. But the laptop with wireless ethernet card will work with public hotspots. If you already have a wireless router, the economics become even more compelling. Now the cost is more like [$$$] for a superior setup. Then there's the fact that the AirPanel only works with Windows XP. That leaves all other flavors of Windows out of the picture (98, 2000, NT, etc.). It also means you can't use this with your Mac or your Linux box. That's pretty limiting. A lot of people don't want to use XP because of the "activation" issue, as well as the other forms of spyware embedded in Windows XP. Personally I wouldn't touch XP with a 100 meter cattle prod. There's really no excuse for this product only working with XP. It should just plug-n-play friendly on any 802.11b network that presents itself. The XP limitation is a symptom of bad design that makes me wonder what other corners they might have cut on this product. I could go on, but the bottom line is that a laptop with a wireless ethernet card is cheaper than the AirPanel, it's more flexible (it does more things under a wider range of circumstances), and doesn't require you to be running Windows XP. And that's why I say this product is not interesting. It does less for more money. Why would I want to do that???
Rating: Summary: Not to shabby! Review: This thing is really just a big oll remote for all of your computers! Thank god! hah
It appears that some people have this confused as a full blown tablet PC. Well it isn't. It is as one of the users put it just a terminal interface that uses the remote connection built into winXP
The main target for this device I would think should be people who are interested in a Home theater PC. Well actually a remote for their HTPC. With the Mplus software that comes installed on the newer Air panels (http://www.mplusint.com/) you can do quiet a bit with this thing.
Might also be handy for the kitchen looking up recipes and stuff. Then again I GUESS you could just print it!
This device isn't for my mom it isn't for my friend who casually uses a PC. This device is for me who has several PC's and an extensive HTPC setup. For 400$ this thing is pretty slick. I would like it to be at around 300$ after all is said and done.
Rating: Summary: To the person who recommened another brand... Review: To the person who recommened the Envision EN-5200e 15" LCD Monitor instead of the ViewSonic Airpanel V110 10" Smart Display...I hate to tell you this but they are totally different kinds of monitors. The Envision is just a monitor period. I have a 15" Rad LCD monitor which I like fairly well...if on a site to long the numbers and letters imprint in the screen forever lol. But the ViewSonic "Smart Display" is a monitor that you install wireless and then can use at the desk or you can take it to the living room, bedroom, outside or wherever and continue to use as if you were at your desk. I don't mean to sound bossy or know-it-all, but they really are two different birds! Thanks for listening. P.S. That's why there is a big price difference too. :o)
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