New Chumby Model Spotted, Looks Retro-Adorable
Ryan Block, founder of gdgt (and possible alter ego of Mr. Blurrycam), spotted a new model of Chumby, the connected-widget desktop companion. He promises it’s a little more square and alarm-clock-like, as well as smaller, than the previous version.
No word on new features; even though our own Matt really liked the original Chumby, he didn’t see much of a niche for it to fill. But the design has kind of an iriver neo-retro thing going on with the cubic design and big dial, and we’ve always had a soft spot for the little guy. We’ll update more as we get new information. [Ryan Block]
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@appletoad: As I understand it, these things were made to be hackable. I'm sure you could find instructions on how to add batteries in if you look around the 'net for a while.
Edit: yep, googling "chumby battery hack" will get you a bunch of links.
You know what? The Chumby is expensive, but it's also the best damn alarm clock I've ever had. The flexibility and programmability are worth it. I tried one of those Executive Alarm Clocks but it was a pain in the ass to manage and broke after a few months, but after two years the Chumby is still going strong and has /never/ failed to wake me up at the right time (which is different on weekdays and weekends, and is subject to one-offs which it handles with aplomb).
And it handles snooze better than any device on the market. You can set snooze settings per alarm, including how long between re-ring and how many times it'll let you do it, and of course it's hugely satisfying to reach over and mush the beanbag top. If you have trouble getting up in the morning, as I do, it's well worth the amortized cost. I don't even use all the extra little applets.
The Chumby is kinda expensive for what it is... in my opinion anyways... I wanted one but too expensive
Hanger
this is not a new chumby model.
this is a toy from kidrobot
go look at kidrobot.com
IonaNimrit/Maya
@streetceltic: That would be nice.
I got tired of some of the widgets, but then discovered that I could run Pandora on my Chumby and cable the output directly to my stereo. A great combo.
@appletoad: Or atleast so Lithium Ion goodness
streetceltic
I love the chumby, but the deal breaker for me has been that it can't take batteries, it has to be plugged in. Make room for some AA's and I'm sold, I've wanted one but won't spend money on something I can't take off the nightstand.
It's photoshopped.
ShailiRablash
Chumby has always been a cool concept but its priced way too high especially know that we have iPod Touch and Zune HD with apps.
I also think that doing away with that bean bag look is a mistake. It takes away its character.
PinoSarpedon