For those of us in the U.S., the DS browser is finally being released. For those of you in other markets, you've already had several months to check it out. But here's the thing: do you browse on your DS? If you're thinking of getting one when it's released in America, do you plan to use it often? For those who have it or want it ... do you have any other portable means of accessing the internet? We're curious about how many readers are out there browsing on the go.
DS Daily: So, about that browser ...
For those of us in the U.S., the DS browser is finally being released. For those of you in other markets, you've already had several months to check it out. But here's the thing: do you browse on your DS? If you're thinking of getting one when it's released in America, do you plan to use it often? For those who have it or want it ... do you have any other portable means of accessing the internet? We're curious about how many readers are out there browsing on the go.






Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-15-2007 @ 9:42AM
ConstyXIV said...
I'll buy it in a heartbeat, under two conditions:
1) They release both the Phat and Lite versions (the memory pak is shorter). Black to go with my DSLite would be most appreciated
2) I remember from some reviews of the JPN import that there were some severe lag issues. If they fix that, I'm set.
And, I really don't care about the lack of Flash and Java. It'll at least quiet down the Internet some. I also appreciate the whole "web browser in your pocket with a decent interface" thing. I think it has a few edges over the PSP browser
1) The DS lite is cheaper
2) Pen interface vs buttons == win (scrolling with ABXY for lefthanders please!)
3) Opera is a /much/ stronger browser than the Sony engine, whatever the hell it is.
4) You can't watch YouTube on the PSP anyways (too slow), and isin't that all anyone uses Flash for anymore?
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3-15-2007 @ 9:43AM
Ben said...
I bought the browser over the summer, when I was back at home and without a computer to call my own. It's handy enough to check email, but is the slowest, most awkward device I've ever accessed the Internet with. There's some nice ideas implemented into it (I especially appreciated the ".com", ".org" buttons on the keyboard interface) but the DS has far, far too little RAM to make it viable as a real websurfing tool. An average page takes at least twenty to thirty seconds to load and render, which is atrocious.
I've been back at my computer since September, and I don't think I've touched the browser since. No need. And, irritatingly, it cannot be traded in: the cartridge is irrevocably linked to the DS that it's first used on. Bit of a waste of twenty quid, really.
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3-15-2007 @ 10:00AM
jesus torres said...
In the States, here, and if the price is right ('bout $25 or less) I'll go for it without hesitation. I've got a MacBook, but I think my DS would fit my pocket a bit more comfortably.
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3-15-2007 @ 10:07AM
ConstyXIV said...
Correction to #1 (myself):
Sony's browser engine is NetFront, a browser designed for embedded devices like the PSP and PS3. It's still no match for Opera
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3-15-2007 @ 10:35AM
Patrick said...
Reallity: I use my Wifi at home 90% of the time. My Macbook is much better at web use. The only Wifi hotspot near here is McD and I have only used it once. So public wifi use is not much of an issue.
Dreamin': Stick a big ol' memory card in there, run some Java and flash and It may be fun for internet games...
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3-15-2007 @ 10:43AM
Wolfrider said...
I must say, I'm disappointed at the lack of Flash. I'm sure with some clever engineering they could have gotten around the lack of memory on the DS. Watching videos online is something I do alot, and the net experience will be lacking somewhat without it. Plus it kills all the neat games that could be developed for it, similar to what we're seeing on the Wii.
Still I'm probably going to buy it. Oddly enough this is going to lower the cost of my textbooks at school considerably; Gutenberg to go? Sign me up!
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3-15-2007 @ 2:26PM
Ken Seang said...
I use my DS internet in between class here at ASU. I find it useful for checking out Joystiq or my email and it keeps me awake in class... It is somewhat cumbersome to use, but it is faster than 56k. Also, I use it to go to the gaming forums and such, plus I have a flash cart, so I do not need to swap cartridge out and the interface is better than the psp.
*I wrote this on my ds!
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3-15-2007 @ 3:36PM
davey strange face said...
I'm a Euro gamer and I've not bothered picking up the browser. Can't see the point when I've got a laptop. As much as I enjoy my DS the screen is just too small for multi media stuff like this. For the price of a DS lite and a browser over here I could get me a pink PSP and a game, which is what I would do if I wanted a usuable browser that also played games. Let's face it, the games may not be all that, but the PSP does this kind of thing properly and the DS don't!
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3-15-2007 @ 4:48PM
mastgrr said...
At comment #7. I was also planning on getting it to use it between classes at ASU! Omygah.
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3-15-2007 @ 7:37PM
toaddawet said...
I've heard alot of negative press about this thing--I'm still not sure if I'm going to bother with it. Would be a fun toy, but I doubt I would use it much.
btw--whatever happened with the DS TV tuner that was released in Japan?
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3-15-2007 @ 7:41PM
Steve 3.2 said...
The DS was never meant to surf the web and it should probably stay that way. If the web was friendlier to portable devices, then I'd consider it. But I can get on the Internet from work and home and don't need to device to surf on the go too.
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