Kerbango 100E Internet Radio

by Kerbango

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004XONG
• Item model number: RZ-100E
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #437,806 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Kerbango 100E is the first stand-alone Internet radio device. Since you won't be using your computer to listen to online radio, you won't have to deal with software conflicts or competition for computing resources. Just connect to the Web and tune into thousands of audio streams from around the globe--from the latest news in Australia to a cricket match in New Delhi to BBC's Radio 1 in London.

There are no service fees associated with listening to online radio stations. The Kerbango is based on the Real Networks G2 Player, and it plays RealAudio G2, 5.0, 4.0, and 3.0 streams as well as streaming MP3. However, you will need a broadband connection such as DSL, cable modem, or ISDN (dial-up connections are not supported). Additionally, the Kerbango uses an Ethernet connection, requiring a PC network or cable modem.

(If you don't have a broadband connection, ask your current Internet service provider about upgrading. If you already have a broadband connection, it is recommended that you connect the Kerbango by using a cable/DSL router. Note that some ISPs may require the purchase of an additional IP address or other services.)

Once you've connected to the Internet, the Kerbango makes it easy to discover new radio stations. Just use the tuning knob as you would on a regular radio to select a category of audio stream. If you choose the music category, you'll find such listings as hard rock, classical, country, jazz, and then be able to choose from individual stations within each listing. And since your broadband connection is always on, the Kerbango can be left connected to the Internet all the time without affecting your ability to make or receive telephone calls.

The Kerbango tuner stays up to date with the latest stations, newest music, and current events by communicating with the Kerbango Tuning Service every time you're connected. KTS is a sophisticated database that stores information about all the stations that Kerbango finds on the Internet. Once a station is added to the KTS list of available stations, an automated program called a StreamBot continually checks for transmission quality and reliability. This information is displayed on the Kerbango, indicating a station's expected signal quality before you tune it in.

The 100E features two full-range ducted stereo speakers with 2 watts per channel. It also includes a built-in antenna for receiving AM/FM broadcasts, a clock that's updated automatically when connected to the Internet, and an alarm function that can change stations at preset times (such as when waking up in the morning). The device runs on Motorola DigitalDNA technology, with a 32-bit processor running at 81 MHz, 16 MB SDRAM, 8 MB of flash memory, and 4 MB of ROM. It includes an Ethernet RJ-45 (10Base-T) input and outputs for stereo audio lines and headphones.

You can try out the extensive KTS library of online radio stations by visiting the Kerbango site (www.kerbango.com) and connecting to a station using either RealPlayer or Windows Media Player.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh well......, March 30, 2001

By 

Richard Sawey (CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kerbango 100E Internet Radio (Electronics)

Kebango were bought by 3COM a while back. Due to the rapid slowdown in high tech 3COM decided to axe their entire personal products divison which includes the Kerbango. Ergo the Kerbango won't be coming to market anytime soon. Perhaps someone will buy the technology from 3COM perhaps not. But don't place an order for one until this all gets sorted out.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There are only a few, December 19, 2005

By 

Andrew Leyden "PenguinSix.com" (Chesapeake Beach, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kerbango 100E Internet Radio (Electronics)

The Kerbango project was killed by 3Com in 2001 in what many thought as a rash decision, but nevertheless resulted in the destruction of several hundred Kerbango units on the factory floor in Asia. The only units available were a number of prototypes floating around Silicon Valley as part of fundraising and sponsorship deals. I've heard the number is as low as 30. Quite a collectors item.

If you want an Internet radio, you can go to PenguinRadio or Roku or Slim Devices, all of whom are marketing similar devices.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Will it ever be available?, March 29, 2001

By 

Daniel McManaman "Dan in Dallas" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kerbango 100E Internet Radio (Electronics)

I have been waiting to buy one of these for over a year. I recently saw the unit at a trade show, buy the reps. were clueless as to when it will be available, or what the delay has been. The unit was much smaller and of cheaper construction (a lot of plastic) than I had imagined from the picture. Some of the buttons are a bit "gimmicy", if that is a word. They have the right idea, but it looks like there is much room for improvement. =I will probably still buy one if they ever actually sell them. Until then, I will continue to use the Sonic Box IM tuner, which does a respectable job of remote tuning, but requires the pc to stay on.