Internet Channel on Wii
You might not think your television set is the best place to experience the Internet, but when you don’t have a functioning computer, it’s better than nothing. This is the situation our friends in Alabama are experiencing.
I took a look at their computer today that had been sitting for a while since it was moved. After hooking it up, I discovered it was inoperable. Won’t even POST properly. We discussed options for replacement, and while computers have gotten cheaper, they are still expensive for the average family, especially in today’s economy.
One of the main attractions for a computer is, of course the Internet. Their Wii has Internet access, why not use that as the browser? Turns out, you can and it has a supported browser powered by Opera. The Internet Chnannel, as it is called on the Wii, is a one-time charge of $5. Hey, just about anyone can afford that!
The credit card was broken out and we were off to try it. Gmail worked, and so did YouTube. Could not go quite fullscreen, but the browsing experience and video playback was pretty nice. With the purchase of a USB keyboard, they’ll have a reasonable data entry experience as well.
It’s not going to replace a computer, but it might be an interesting experiment. I wonder how well Google Docs works. Can you use it on the Internet Channel? Maybe it will be worth spending $10 to find out.
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Comment by Kyle
You know, the wii’s internet browser used to be free for a little while after it came out. That’s when I snagged mine. ;D
It’s very convenient. Like you said, good at some things, not with some others. Works great with http://wiicade.com/ and http://www.wiidoku.com/
Comment by Irfon-Kim Ahmad
I had no idea they were charging money for the browser now! I downloaded it when it was free.
The web browser on the Playstation 3 is free still (and comes built in — it’s not a separate download). You can also install Linux on the PS3 if you don’t have a computer and want to get up and running fast.
I actually browse from my consoles fairly regularly. I often use the browser to look up game reviews if I’m considering buying one of the downloadable games, for example, but surprisingly often I’ll use them for general-purpose browsing as well, and they’re a great way to watch YouTube videos with your friends.
I do find that more often than not, I use the Playstation 3’s browser rather than the Wii’s. (Well, I use the PS3 more often than the Wii in general, so that’s obviously a factor, since it’s much more likely to be on. The Wii mostly just collects dust.) It’s a somewhat odd choice because, honestly, the Wii’s browser is much better and more compatible. However, there is one striking difference: HD. On the Playstation 3, I can browse the web in 1920×1080, which makes it pretty much just as good as my computer, except for the odd browser quirks. On the Wii, I can browse the web in 640×480, which makes it a bit of a toy, especially when you factor in how much of that resolution is lost to the clunky UI.
(I have never used an XBox 360, so I can’t compare the browsing experience there.)
I’m not sure what the ratio is, but I definitely browse the web on my consoles more often than on my phone, although I do both pretty frequently. I still browse on an actual PC the most often. I think if I had a keyboard for the PS3 and if its browser was a bit more full-featured, though, that might not be the case.
Comment by PhoneBoy
Consoles, in general, are not something I personally use all that much. That being said, I use whatever mobile device I am carrying to browse the web in addition to the desktop.
My Wii is within 10 feet of no less than 3 desktop computers, two of which are in the same room! I might by the browser for further research, but not for anything beyond that. It’s just not necessary, though the price is hard to beat.
Comment by Brian
The xbox 360 does not have an internet browser.
I have a Wii, and I also downloaded the Internet browser while it was free. My Wii also collects dust while my 360 gets nearly all of my play time.
The internet experience on the Wii is OK. I have used it to check out Youtube videos on the couch with my friends. The navigation is a little clunky for sure. It might be worth it for you to check it out for testing purposes.
One of the best uses I have found for the Wii browser, is to use it while I am playing a video game on my 360. Just switch video inputs, look up what I want to, switch back, and continue playing.
Brian
http://www.konnects.com
Comment by PhoneBoy
That’s a valid use for it.