Chumby One Video Review

Last year, while reviewing the first generation of the chumby, I fell in love. In fact, as a full disclosure, I became a proud owner shortly after the review. Now the new chumby one is out, and there's very little not to love.

First, a quick explanation of just what a chumby is. The chumby essentially runs a series of flash widgets, allowing developers to do a lot of clever things, from stock tickers and RSS readers, to games that can take advantage of the built-in touchscreen and accelerometer. Make no mistake, this is not an iPhone competitor, nor is it any kind of computer replacement. It's really a new generation of product that can serve as an alarm clock replacement, desktop radio, and information appliance (a term which used to have a negative connotation, but not in this case.) At the office, I use the chumby to off-load items I would normally have to keep checking manually on my computer. For example, I can see at a glance what friends are saying on twitter and facebook, read my favorite blogs and see new stories as soon as they're on the feed. Sitting next to my computer, it becomes a productivity companion, freeing up the computer and me to get down to actual work.

However, there were some limitations to the first generation chumby (known as the chumby classic). First, it was strictly a plug-in device, meaning if there was something cool you wanted to share with someone else in the house/office, or you wanted to bring your tunes with you, you couldn't. Now there's an optional battery, allowing you to take the chumby anywhere you want (provided you stay within a setup wifi connection.) Another big improvement with the chumby one, is the inclusion of a large dial on the right to adjust volume. Previously, you would have to touch the screen then use an on-screen slider. The audio from the new device sounds a bit crisper, and louder. Bear in mind this is a small system, so don't expect Bose-like sound. There's a headphone jack in case the rest of the office doesn't appreciate your eclectic music tastes. The biggest improvement with this model though, is the price. Starting at $99, the chumby now can be a logical alarm clock replacement for many. In fact, this model includes an FM radio receiver for those who just can't wake up without their local "morning zoo" dj. This also means there's a wire antenna on the bottom of the device, but it can be stowed in the battery compartment if you aren't using a battery with the device. The FM receiver is a nice add-on, but it seems to have poorer reception than most FM radios located in the same location. Plus, the streaming music tends to sound much "fuller." The only thing missing from the chumby one compared to the classic, is the soft beanbag-like construction of the classic. The one features a quirky/futuristic white plastic look, that will probably prove far more friendly to office desks and cubicles the world over.

You really have to play with a chumby to fully appreciate what it does, and unfortunately, the device is currently only available online.

The bottom line is the chumby one is a unique device that improves on its predecessor, and is priced to make it practically a bargain. What it ultimately becomes for you (radio,clock,weather,news reader,twitter client, etc.) will determine how you use it, but with 1500 apps, you will find a way to make it your own, and probably love it in the process.

Here's a look:

Apple Fantasy Merger of the Month: Chumby Industries

First thanks for the feedback and reminder that we neglected our fantasy merger duties in December. For those who might be new here, each month we propose a fantasy merger, just in case Apple would like some suggestions as to what to buy with their growing cash reserves. Bear in mind these are fantasy mergers, so the logic and/or merit of the merger should always be taken lightly.

With that said, this week's merger proposal could probably be bought by Apple from the change in the corporate couch, relative to their billions on hand. Chumby Industries is the company behind the Chumby. If you're not familiar, the Chumby is a standalone device allowing for the creation of channels of apps/widgets. (Look for our review of the new "chumby one" this week. Here's our review of the last generation.) Why on earth would Apple want such a product? The short answer is, they wouldn't.

The real value of Chumby is the people in the company. From the product design, to whimsical "feel" of the device, and the unique packaging (including Chumby charms), it's clear that the small but mighty team at Chumby get industrial design and the importance of user experience. I can tell you the Chumby is the only piece of non-Apple tech here at TDL HQ that people have built a bond with, and feel a great deal of attachment. 

We almost hate to suggest this fantasy merger because it would almost certainly mean the end of the Chumby device. It would also mean more smart minds making even better Apple products.

Review of the Chumby

Oh Chumby... We boxed you up early today, and already you're missed... You were like a My Buddy for the technorati. You sat there quietly offering all the info that was asked of you... We shed an e-tear with your departure.

If you're not familiar with The Chumby, well you're about to be.. While it's a squishy wishy piece of technology, we decided to make the case for it as a productivity tool. Check it out: