Vodafone Webbox, is it worth it?

waynegohl

waynegohl

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Don't knock it, at the price for really old people this will work. The font will be the right size. ;)
 
Got a Linkbook (vodacom) here.

Totally useless - you can't upgrade the OS to a different OS. And development for PowerPC stopped, so it's high and dry.

All I want to say is - if it is able to run alternative operating systems, then it might be worth a look.

Otherwise, best thing to do is to invest in a proper netbook/laptop instead.
 
So not even worth the email feature and the browser feature? It wont be used for games except what is offered.


Why would I need a sim card and data if I have wireless in my house, can't I use that instead?
 
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waynegohl said:
So not even worth the email feature and the browser feature? It wont be used for games except what is offered.
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Nah... if I were you, I'd get a proper laptop/netbook with a proper keyboard.

Netbook if you can use a wireless/bluetooth keyboard and won't mind the small screen.
 
The_Librarian said:
Nah... if I were you, I'd get a proper laptop/netbook with a proper keyboard.

Netbook if you can use a wireless/bluetooth keyboard and won't mind the small screen.
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Sure but you don't want the elderly to deal with software and OS updates.
 
WeBBox is actually quite an important concept/product for the CORRECT target audience.

It is designed as a low cost, robust Android "smartphone-like" device that uses a TV as it's screen and is aimed at low income homes that have a TV but no other access to the internet.

As Peter said, think Beltel, but more what Beltel would be if we had to build it today.

I see the primary target as young and/or underprivileged kids who will have their first internet experience this way.

As you can see from the pricing, we're pretty much giving it away. EDGE-only to drive down costs and also because the intended market most likely will have only EDGE coverage. 3G version coming soon.
 
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jannievanzyl said:
WeBBox is actually quite an important concept/product for the CORRECT target audience.

It is designed as a low cost, robust Android "smartphone-like" device that uses a TV as it's screen and is aimed at low income homes that have a TV but no other access to the internet.

As Peter said, think Beltel, but more what Beltel would be if we had to build it today.

I see the primary target as young underprivileged kids who will have their first internet experience this way.

As you can see from the pricing, we're pretty much giving it away. EDGE-only to drive down costs and also because the intended market most likely will have only EDGE coverage. 3G version coming soon.
Click to expand...

Personally I think it's brilliant, I almost got one just for the novelty! If I had this 20 years ago, **** imagine!
 
jannievanzyl said:
WeBBox is actually quite an important concept/product for the CORRECT target audience.

It is designed as a low cost, robust Android "smartphone-like" device that uses a TV as it's screen and is aimed at low income homes that have a TV but no other access to the internet.

As Peter said, think Beltel, but more what Beltel would be if we had to build it today.

I see the primary target as young and/or underprivileged kids who will have their first internet experience this way.

As you can see from the pricing, we're pretty much giving it away. EDGE-only to drive down costs and also because the intended market most likely will have only EDGE coverage. 3G version coming soon.
Click to expand...

I assumed it was like an entry level item and if you just browsing and sending out mails it would be perfect. If you wanna play big games or download stuff then I would think it's not for you.
 
I was given one. Haven't even used it yet. Don't think i'm the target demographic.
 
biometrics said:
Personally I think it's brilliant, I almost got one just for the novelty! If I had this 20 years ago, **** imagine!
Click to expand...

Exactly my thoughts. 20 years ago we drove to the library to get to information and if you lived in a rural area, you had basically no chance to get to the information.

Think what this can do for a kid that lives in a rural area, maybe in an informal settlement with just a small TV. Just getting access to Wikipedia is worth its weight in gold.

Must say, when I first played with one, it did remind me strongly of the heady days when we got the first home computers. :)
 
It's not bad but there are better alternatives... the old adage of you get what you pay for applies.
 
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