Sony Dash can now be preordered for $199

The last time we visited the new Sony Dash it wasn’t yet for sale but now it can be pre-ordered at Sony Style for $199.99 plus tax. It is called a personal internet viewer, but is more of a Wi-Fi digital picture frame or an internet radio than a PMP with Wi-Fi like Archos produces. It does have that highly desirable 7inch color touch screen (800x480) that makes watching a video that much more pleasant than watching something on the tiny iPod screen, but it has a mere 256MB of memory, so I guess it doesn't really want you to load any videos to watch in the car and it is not battery operated. Add the fact it only does MP4, MP2 and WMV, be prepared to convert your Flip video. Also be prepared to be online for almost everything, unless you have a USB memory stick to plug in. It does its best to offer apps, albeit a paltry 1,500, including news, calendars, weather, sports, and social networking but they are at least from Chumby, the pioneer internet radio. Additionally, Sony offers its Bravia Internet video platform to provide content. And of course you can view YouTube, and listen to Pandora, and other web sites like Epicurious, Crackle, Livestrong, Blip.tv. Some how they also provide a NAVTEQ app “for easily accessible traffic updates on a customized route”.

The Dash multi-tasks letting you listen to music while reading through Facebook or looking at pictures. One weird feature is being able to wake up to videos. Ok maybe it's just me but I tend to sleep with my eyes closed and don't necessarily wake up facing the alarm clock so I am not thinking this is so fascinating. However, if you want to put up the morning weather forecast on the screen for me to glance at once I am semi-conscious, I am all for that.

It fortunately has an accelerometer to flip the screen and you can set it on the counter top or nightstand. It has stereo speakers, a USB port, and a headphone jack. Sony has high hopes for the Dash and given its price, it is certainly an alternative to the highly successful Logitech Squeezebox which will set you back about $170 with its tiny screen and limited functionality. But this is certainly not going to replace a portable iPod Touch or an Archos.

All in all it is a confusing product. Not a digital picture frame, but kind of, not a PMP but close, and not a straight dock with internet radio. But it is a nice bedside alarm clock radio with benefits. Maybe it will appeal to you. But if you already have an iPod Touch or a wireless digital picture frame or an Internet radio, not so much. However, in the house, we are hoarding our spare change for an iPad and planning to take it everywhere.