1 Great set-top computer!..or is it?
If your wanting to surf the internet without the hassle of a PC, then this is the device for you.I have been a msntv owner for 4 years and the RM2100 is a great way to explore the web.The machine itself is very reliable, sometimes msn has it's slow moments but don't most servers at one time or another.Plus you can't get any of the viruses that PC's get. You can surf with peace of mind.You will never need spyware with msntv. And, no one can ever hack a msntv account..very important these days.Once you get the RM2100 out of the box, you are only minutes away from years of enjoyment.It also only takes about 30 seconds to log on to msn and one botton to get off line.In fact...I have 2 LBB (little black boxes)...one is the PM 965, and now the RM2100, so I have a back up just in case.If you want to surf the net, this is for you. If you want more bells and whistles (and headaches) then save your $$$ for a PC./update/ It's been a while since I wrote this and I have now decided NOT to recommend msntv or the failed msntv2. It's getting where a msntv user can't get into any good websites! You can look but you can't touch. And it's getting worse, their outdated browser is a joke. So...I have bought a new Dell laptop and with it I can open all the doors that are shut with the msntv service *laughs*Good bye msn and msntv.*waves*
2 Wondering if it could be of use
Just a few thoughts after reading the reviews. I do day trading and wanted to do it from the living room rather than my den-office. I'll stick to DSL and my computer. This sounds like dino age stuff. At 67 I don't care to go backwards.
3 No WebTV Plus!
If you use to have a WebTV Plus and it finally died on you, try to find another one or upgrade to a cheap computer. This RCA MSNTV model does less than the old WebTV! No PIP (picture-in-picture) so you can't surf the net and watch TV (that leaves that horrible background music or silence). Also, you no longer have a TV Home, nor can you access your local TV listings via the TV home. So that means no more scheduling TV programs. That was one of the best features of the darn thing! And you still have the usual problems accessing sites, etc. It's too bad MSN didn't invest in upgrading this product line. I guess I'm going to have to suck it up and buy a computer. And I won't be using MSN either!
4 No Viruses
I own 7 computers and I buy used computers all the time. I have to go in and clear out all the viruses and then load programs into these older systems to once again make them useful. My friends are forever suffering from viruses, trojan horses, and all sorts of other fun problems. I can custom build a computer from scratch without thinking twice on how to do it. You know what? I will not put one of them on the internet. I don't want to have to go in and clean out more viruses and spyware and a host of other junk that will clog up your system. I clean them out once and that is it. Free software comes with free spyware. I don't need that. Computers are also very easy to hack. Try hacking someones webtv system. Good luck there. Yes the system has short comings. It was not designed to act like a computer. Some very ingenious folks have figured out ways to make it act a lot like one though. Do some homework and you can do just about anything with these systems. Especially the plus systems. And yes, I can even burn CD's with it, but then again, I'm a wiz at hooking stuff up to make it all work. I have used other internet access only devices and yet I still stay with this MSNTV box. I have read other's reviews and can only say, they did not do their homework before critisizing these boxes. An example is that one person tried to link an MSN e-mail account to the box, said he was lied to and could not get the account linked, I am useing a hotmail.com address that I have linked into this box. Don't know what he did wrong except maybe fail to use his passport access. If you want safety and the best of both worlds, don't give up the computer, just keep it off line and surf the web with one of these boxes and use it to communicate through e-mail with others. These systems are simple, cheap, reliable, no crashes, and a lot of fun. Not perfect when comparing to a computer, but they were not designed to be compared to a computer. Slow? Yes, but I can live with slow instead of virus attacks that could cost me lost hours, files and even a couple of thousand dollars because I have to buy a new system.
5 Nice Idea, Poor Execution, Poor Support
I bought a new MSNTv (the RCA 2100) for my parents. I was hoping to replace their computer which has become too much for them to manage, and they needed to downsize as well. They also have an MSN dial up account and this allows them to use this account for MSNTv and not have to pay any additional monthly fee. I called MSNTv before I bought this unit to ask if their "@msn.com" e-mail account could be transfered over to the "@webtv.net" domain and they said "yes just call us when you hook it up". Well this turned out to be a lie. You can access your MSN.COM e-mail on your computer, but your new domain will be WebTV.Net and the two are separate. Then it turns out that many SPAM bocking programs (including SPAMCop) block all WebTV.Net e-mail as SPAM. Appearently the device lacks support for certain e-mail features which validate the e-mail origin and therefore it is thrown out (depending on how the e-mail admin handles SPAM). So my very first test e-mail to my sister never went through, no error msg no nothing, just off into the ether. Also, since MSNTv has its own list of incoming SPAM sites, it regularly blocks e-mail from some very popular domains, including 8 days where they blocked MSN.COM e-mails! The unit is very slow, much slower than a regular computer over the same dial up line, and if you want to surf any web site other than the ones MSNTv picks for you, good luck, you will be there all night. My Sister-in-law likes to send e-mails with pictures embedded in word documents. Obviously this unit can't handle that, but it did not even strip the doc file and let the e-mail through, it just never showed up, no error no nothing. So this unit has very unreliable e-mail capabilities, and is painfully slow at web surfing, and I ended up returning it for a refund. Some time in the coming months a new MSNTv unit (the RCA4100) will be out that will work over broadband and have more support for e-mail that hopefully will fix some of these issues, until then I'd say forget this current product.
6 MSNTV-a helpful way to get net access
MSNTV(formerly Webtv) has gotten some flack from PC users. But this wasn't designed to be a PC! It's low cost, easy way to get internet access. I have been a devoted user sinse 1997(and over the years used different units), and I plan on getting a computer soon and getting the MSN ONE PLAN which allows me to get free MSNTV service for subscribing to MSN for my puter. Why do I love MSNTV? I love the ease of it, not having to sit hunched over in front of a PC for hours..I like surfing the web, instant messaging, e-mailing, online banking, playing online games against my friends online, shopping online, listening to audio streams, all with the wireless keyboard on the comfy couch.Currently, MSNTV is getting ready to release an advanced MSNTV box with DSL, a real hard drive to download, and many more features which will make the new model much like a computer for the TV.I'll be the first in line to get it.I, despite it's limitations, think MSNTV is the neatest tv related applience to come along sinse the Sony Betamax vcr!! It's just a great idea and so much fun....I will never stop being an MSNTV subsriber.
7 Limitations of WebTV
While useful for basic browsing, emails, checking stocks, etc., serious users will be quite frustrated at the limitations of WebTV, which should be considered only an entry level device. I have found the following limitations:1. No .pdf reader. Many websites, such as the Agriculture dept, FAA, IEEE, and many universities publish forms and papers only in .pdf form. While WebTV claims there is a work-around through the Adobe site, one must know the URL of the specific document, and there is no way to access this. (You can't look at the HTML source code.)2. Video and Audio clips not supported. While there are many tempting links in MSNTV news stories, clicking on them will only get you a bumping sound and dialog box that says, "Your browser does not support this format", or some such message.3. No ability to download plug-in software from 3rd parties. The above limitations cannot be overcome by downloading software. You are pretty much at the mercy of your WebTV service provider for updates and they have pretty much decided to dumb down the device.4. Very basic word processing and limitations on character set. You can write emails on the mail site. You can even go to a word-processing site and type up a page of text to print out on you printer. However, if you want to READ a scholarly paper with math symbols in it, such as greek letters, integral signs, or the common symbols of vector analysis, the HTML versions of these will probably be garbled. And as I said before, the .pdf solution is unavailable.5. No Mouse or on-screen cursor. Screen navigation is by keyboard pointer keys that move the highlighted border to hypertext boxes in a more or less row-column structure. The resulting graphical interface feels clunky and jerky. There are also up-down scroll keys, but these move an entire page. Oh, how I would love to have a thumb-pad or track-ball and scroll bars like my Macintosh has. In summary, I would recommend that you buy a used computer rather than spend several hundred dollars on WebTV, printer and accessories such as S-mode cables and switch boxes. Older generation computers are cheap, yet allow you to upgrade to new features by downloading plug-in software to tailor it to your needs as the internet changes. The MSNTV box can only do what it was designed to do... like a toaster.
8 Training wheels
This device is okay. The wireless keyboard is fun, it's fun to hook it up to the RCA inputs in your VCR and send Grandma videotapes of this "Newfangled Internet thing", and it has older versions of Flash, ShockWave. No java, though. And even though you pay $20+ a month, it still says you're a "Guest" in their own dang chat rooms, so you get flamed like the "noob" that you are. Use it, but save your cash for a real computer.
9 Not as Good as The Plus Receiver But It's Not Horrible!
We have computers and I know very well how to use computers but we also have an MSN TV Internet receiver and even though we aren't doing it right now you can combine your MSN service on both your computer and MSN TV. I enjoy using the MSN TV. We originally had the old Web TV Plus Internet receiver and I loved using it but it broke and unfortunately they aren't being made anymore. The Plus receivers were great and had features that aren't a part of this basic classic unit. The Plus receiver features I miss The most are the TV listings, etc. You can now do things with the classic receiver that you couldn't do with the old ones but the TV features are not included and I'm hoping that they start making the Plus receivers again or what would be even greater one receiver where you can choose to have either the classic or plus service. Another thing I don't care for with this basic classic receiver is the power cord, it's an adapter that you plug in an outlet or surge protector which is fine but the end that goes into the MSN TV is like a tiny earphone jack on a portatble walkman tape player and the adapter gets hot and makes a loud buzzing or humming noise if the MSN TV receiver is on for over an hour or more and I much preferred the sturdier power cord for The Plus receiver but despite the limitations of the basic clasic receiver it's still nice to be able to do my MSN TV thing when I'm not using a computer and sometimes I prefer using the MSN TV and I think The MSN TV is good for everyone of any age but I think it would be especially great for people who are confinded to bed and are shut ins. I'm rating this 3 stars but that's only because I can't rate it 3 1/2 stars which is what I would rate it because even though not as good as the Plus receiver I wouldn't give it a really low rating.
10 too basic
Purchased this item for the elderly parents as an alternative to the expensive PC system we'd bought for them to use for web and e-mail - and which was too complicated. This system seemed simple enough and covered all my parents' needs.
We were very disappointed. This unit IS simple to set up and easy to use. However, this unit is truly basic. It runs an outdated version of Internet Explorer (version 3 or 4). The home screen feels old - the closest equivalent would be the original version of Prodigy back in the late '80's.
More importantly, because it runs an antique version of Explorer AND has no memory, many web sites won't load or will be missing large chunks. If you want to read foreign language newspapers or sites - forget it - this system has no extended fonts.
This system has potential, but they need to upgrade the software. I would not recommend purchasing this item unless all you want is e-mail capability; you will find it frustrating if you use it for web-surfing.
11 Perfect for beginners!
This unit is perfection for the novice user. I bought this for a friend who never had a computer- and she is doing extremely well with it. User friendly, and very basic. If you already have a computer, its is great for kids. I would not recommend this for an experienced computer user, it definately would not make you happy. Only took 5 minutes to set up out of the box. This is a great gift for anyone, especially older people that want to keep in touch with their families. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
12 Looking for Feedback of This (anti-) technology
I am considering purchasing this product for one reason. I hate the constant barage of ads, popup screens and unsolicited streaming video of aggressive marketers that weedle into my computer via cookies and/or "sucker lists" that I get on because I have shopped on the net. WILL THIS SOLVE MY PROBLEM? I am bout ready to throw my computers out the window I am so sick of the pop-up screens and constant pitching for viagra, matchmaker.com and other such rubbish.Beyond Annoying!As long as I can do e-mail, e-bay and some basic stuff , I would be more than willing to sacrifice some of the bells and whistles in exchange for NO ADS. Feedback, anyone?
13 Just like the Yugo..........
Do you remember the Yugo? It was the cheapest car that you could buy in America, and it was proof that you got what you paid for. This is the same with MSNTV. There really isn't very much wrong with hardware. It does what it was designed to do. The problem is that the software does not permit it to do very much.
WebTV came on to the market back in 1996 and I had the service for several years. More recently the product has been re-branded as MSN TV. The only thing that has changed is the name on the box. The technology, I am sad to say, is virtually obsolete.
Look at it this way: if you enjoy watching television on a 5 in. black-and-white TV with poor reception, you'll love MSN TV.
With generosity, I give the service one star.
By the way, this review is being dictated using the IBM ViaVoice software that I have installed on my iMac.
14 great for a start
I have had my webtv for a year now and like most others who purchase it I am ready to move on to the computer but I would reccomend MSNtv to anyone who is just starting out on the internet and only needs email and to surf the web(it also has instant messenger) but If you want all the bells n whistles do yourself a favor and get a computer When I purchased this I needed a way to stay in contact with family and friends who live far away so this was perfect but now my needs have changed and there are a lot of websites I want to visit and the Msn tv cant get access to these websites because it isnt up to standards this product is okay but you will get bored with it sooner or later probably sooner
15 MSNTV and the puter
Webtv, now rebranded by Microsoft as MSNTV and known by many of it's users as a LBB (little black box), has been around since 1996 and despite several write offs by some pundits, it just won't go away. And rightly so. It's kind of like the little engine that could. It doesn't go all the places and can't do all the things that a computer can, but for general surfing through search engines and using e-mail, it does quite well. Some people have even made home pages that are right near the top of search engines. I have a computer. I also have Microsoft's MSN One Plan which allows me to use my MSNTV and the puter on MSN's isp service for one price. I find myself using my MSNTV unit much more often because of it's ease. If you have someone in your family you think might be interested in the internet or e-mail, think about getting them a MSNTV unit. And if it works out well, then tell a friend. While neither MSNTV nor even a puter is for everyone, the LBB has brought a lot of enjoyment to a lot of people. Note: this MSNTV Internet Receiver should not be confused with the newer MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player which has a separate review.
16 Perfect for most people
I have had this unit for 6 months. I worked with computers for years and years and grew to hate them. This little unit does ALMOST everything you could want, and the few things it won't do (streaming and some Java stuff) don't matter to most of us. It is VERY user-friendly. I find the ease of operation well worth the lack of a few needless bells and whistles. This is a dark horse...Bill Gates knows what he's doing. For me, it's perfect...I am using it right now!!
17 Olando's Review
The RCA Web TV is O.K. but from reading up on it the plus version is better. If available get the plus.
18 Wondering why
1. I do wonder why more folks don't use this very easy way to access the internet.2. I wonder why there is no way to repair the unit without going through many hoops.3. I wonder why there is no retailer in my major metropolitan area to buy a new unit.I bought a replacement through Amazon from J and R. Delivery was prompt via UPS.
19 slow, but easy; expensive, old name 'webtv'
this is the old 'webtv' that everyone knows. it is slow compared to other internet items; its either 33k speed or 56k depending on which you buy; the custoner service is ok but LONG time on the phone on hold; the price is about $$$ a month on a credit card, thats the Only way they ley you pay. i got tired of the monthly credit card bills so it sits under my couch now for 2 yrs. i am now using cidco email device with earthlink, for $$ bux a month, all paid up for a yr., in one payment. otherwise a fine item for the internet-frightened, to get started.
20 MSNTV
I recieved my msntv as a birthday gift after my old computer died.I kid you not when I say that this product is the best kept secret the internet has.It will do 90% of what a computer will do,only alot easier and alot funner.If surfing the internet sending and recieving email having a big address book and a bunch of other goodies is what you're looking for,look no further and get msntv.It's the best investment I've made in ages.Make sure you know what you want a computer for before you spend lots of hard earned money.MSNTV is awsome!Lou
