Being lucky enough to be asked to go along to O2’s launch, I’ve had the opportunity to play with the Joggler. As those of you know that follow the “five-minute fiddle” review series, I also like to give initial thoughts on a device, when I’ve only had five or so minutes to try it out.
On this occasion I had the benefit of two O2 bods, Nick and JP (thanks guys!), to give me a bit of a guided tour of the device, so I can give you an enhanced fiddle report (whatever that is!):
* Concept – I like it. A lot. They’ve taken the photo frame form factor, which most people know and accept, and added a TON of functionality. I was given a digital photo frame last year, and returned it because it didn’t do enough – however, the Joggler is right in the sweet-spot of device usefulness for me 🙂
* Touchscreen – really very good indeed – responsive, and capacitive-based (which means no play in the screen, it’s a hard surface). UI responsiveness good based on text input and icon selection
* Size/Weight – well it sits on a flat surface so weight isn’t critical, but size is perfect
* Hardware – it’s basically a netbook without the keyboard, but with a touchscreen added. WiFi or Wired Ethernet connection gives it connectivity. It’s mains powered, but then again it needs to be, what with lighting that giant screen and staying on a WiFi network (both notorious power sappers!)
* Calendar – clear, neat, and concise. Probably my only negative of the device, it doesn’t sync with Google Calendar (yet). However we are promised OTA software updates, so that could well change
* Multimedia – handles audio, images, and video. Apparently AAC audio format not supported, but again that could easily change in time with a software update. 1GB internal memory isn’t huge, but USB port on side of device allows to expand memory
So in summary this device is really good – I’d highly advise going and trying it out – because it’s connected to WiFi, you are just using your home broadband for the network connectivity. The promised features of Internet Radio and messaging only add weight to it’s usefulness, and the mixture of features is well balanced! Well Done O2!
Grade: A- (a couple of minor tweaks and it will be an A+!)