Customer Reviews

Philips Magnavox MAT965A1 Webtv Classic

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have used WebTV for two years, several hours daily, and I remain impressed with its sensible design and ease of use. I prefer it to other computer-based internet services that I have. It has most everything most people want in an internet connection: email, newsgroups and web browsing -- and no hastle with computer software and its constant upgrading (you receive periodic free upgrades automatically over the internet). You do have the added monthly expense of a subscription to the WebTV network that serves as your ISP. You need a standard telephone line connection, it can be an extension on your family line -- you probably won't need a new telephone line. Before you buy verify that WebTV offers a local telephone number for your dial-in use so your connection to WebTV won't be a toll call. Note that WebTV uses your telephone to connect to the internet, not through any TV cable service you may have.You will also need a TV with minimally audio and video input sockets. If you are planning to use it for serious email, you will also need a keyboard, either a wireless unit they sell or you can plug a standard computer keyboard into it. With use you may also want to buy a printer adapter and inkjet printer, limited primarily to specific HP printer models.

I CONSIDER THIS PRODUCT TO BE, WITHOUT RESERVATION, THE BEST DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR VALUE I'VE ENJOYED IN THE PAST DECADE. IT'S EASE OF SET-UP AND EASE OF USE ARE ONLY MATCHED BY IT'S BROAD SPECTRUM USE. IN OUR HOUSEHOLD IT TOOK ABOUT A WEEK FOR MY WIFE AND CHILDREN TO COMPLETELY ABANDON THE ORIGINAL AOL CONNECTION VIA OUR COMPUTER.I HAVE PURCHASED THREE OF THESE UNITS SO FAR AS GIFTS AND EVERY RECIPIENT SO FAR HAS NOTHING BUT PRAISE FOR THE WEBTV.ADAM CHASE

If anyone poo-poos webtv classic,tell them to be specific. The only thing they can say of substance is that you can't download. Guess what! It's not a $2,000 computer. It's $150 to buy unit and keyboard! And you won't download a virus! You get full access to the web and it is soooo much easier to use. You can build your own webpage if you are so inclined, and the webtv forum post is full of inside info from people who enjoy helping other webtv'ers. You learn useful info just from reading,you don't have to post to do that. I read all my newspapers and magazines on my webtv classic.Upgrades are done for you! So if you want to enjoy the web and keep your hard earned money in your pocket,get webtvclassic and the keyboard.

Okay, so I take a little razzing from my computer wizzard friends for using a webtv access rather than a computer to surf the net, but I haven't really had the need for the full sweep of computer capabilities since I was last taking a class. That was 5 years ago, and frankly the thought of spending a lot of cash just to do email and surf the net did not appeal. This type of access allows one to do both without the cost. The classic is about 100$ and though the models coming down the turnpike will probably do more for less, the classic is still a very good buy. WebTV service is about 23$/mo, and they provide free upgrades of the program about every 6 months. Services are extensive: a fair sized memory for storing email, a large memory address book--I have about 35 addresses on mine--real-time messenger board to chat with any "buddies" who are currently online--I've chatted with a friend in Cairo, two in Ottawa and two in Australia, even several at once in a group conversation--a decent search engine, a "file" for favorite web sites, one-key access of frequently used addresses--I use F1 for Amazon.com, F7 for my online banking address, and so on--and a readily available support staff for problem solving. Although I've used the PCs I use at work to pick up email, etc, I'm very pleased with this inexpensive system for at home use.

So simple it's easy for 60 year old-never used a computer or can't type-folk like me.Get the key board!So now we're talking 150.It's wireless and your couch a better spot to navagate from.e-mail anywhere, recieve from anywhere. If you can move a cursor, the help is everywhere. It can dominate, so be careful, don't have too much fun -maybe seat belts for couch, air bags optional.

It took several months for me to listen to my daughter to buy a WebTv. I am sorry I wasted those months. I love emailing my friends in the USA and a few in foreign countries. I have the "laptop" keyboard and I use it for searching the genealogy records, cooking, interesting articles, games and on and on. The variety never ends but the most WONDERFUL thing about it is I can contact my granddaughter 2 or 3 times a day at college in MS. I LOVE MY FAVORITE TOY. ps-I am 79 and it was so much easier to learn to use than a PC. I gave up on them.

I got my webtv classic as a christmas present and what a good time I have had with it. I have lost a lot of sleep sitting up nights playing with it but it has really expanded my horizons and I finally feel like I know what everybody else is talking about when they are talking about the web. It is very simple to use. I highly recommend the wireless keyboard too.

My classic Web TV has provided our household with full internet access for (the money), including keyboard. The keyboard is essential if you plan on doing any e-mail. A Radio Shack RF Modulator is also a good investment. On a 19 inch TV, it produces near computer-like images.

Web TV travels easy at about the size of a hardcover book. Hook-up in motels is easy because dialing 9 to reach an outside line is an on-screen option. It will not call long distance without your o.k., and will find local i.s.p. almost everywhere.However, it is classified as a munition, and as such attempting to transport it across international borders may result in confiscation, fine, or detention. However, this is subject to change as the unit becomes available internationaly.Excellent to track and change stock portfolios and business while traveling.

if you have been thinking about purchasing a computer to have internet access and e-mail forget it! we picked our webtv unit... it is great, esecially for those of us that don't really need a computer. you can add printers for very little cost also. If you think you would like to try the internet buy a webtv now.