Sony unveiled the Dash Internet tablet device at CES, which serves as a device aimed at providing a wide array of entertainment for the owner.
The Dash can play streaming music, watch YouTube videos, serve as an alarm clock, view e-mail, and other basic features. It can be used in an upright position or titled position, depending on the viewing angle being used.
The Sony Dash connects via Wi-Fi to the owner's home network, and uses a 7-inch touch screen to show music playlists, watch videos, and read news. Owners operate the device by using built-in widgets from YouTube, weather, news updates, Slacker radio, Gmail, and other popular Web destinations.
Sony said there are more than 1,000 apps available for the Dash, with some apps able to run simultaneously. Multiple user profiles and customized channels can be made, so most commonly used apps and popular apps can be easily accessed.
If typing on the touch screen, a virtual keyboard is used to input and send e-mails, enter search queries, and similar functions.
Sony expects to sell the Dash with a $199 MSRP, with the device scheduled for release this April.
I'm not sure how large the market is for a device like the Dash, but Sony is expected to promote its snazzy gadget heavily in the coming months. The device looks simple and easy to use, and ships with many of the basic functions I would expect out off a mini Internet-enabled portable device.
I think the Dash might need to be at least $25 cheaper, as it's currently in the same price range as the 16GB Apple iPod Touch device, although it does have a much larger screen to help it compete.
