Well, I picked up my new DSi [black--the blue was a tad the wrong shade for me], and after playing with for a day, I think it’s an upgrade over the DS Lite. The larger screens are definitely a plus for me, and some features are much better than I expected.
For example, even though you cannot crop images, you can apply several filters that transform the image, including erasing and creating picture frames from images. A few of the filters, such as merge, require very good pictures of faces from the front. When I took a picture of my son at 85% profile, I got an error message saying that the portrait couldn’t be recognized. [It also doesn't take much to blur a photo, as the camera seems very sensitive to the slightest movement.] Still, the photo editing is better than I expected. The sound editing is not quite as useful, but it’s fun, at least for a while, as my son and I took his recording from Darth Vader baritones to chipmonk highs.
The interface is also very simple and usable, which is not surprising given that it’s adapted from the Wii Menu. I like that I can somewhat personalize the interface with pictures appearing in the top screen. The DSi Shop is also very clean: although I didn’t use any of my 1000 free points, I downloaded the Opera Browser, which took a while, not unlike the early days of the Wii Shopping Channel. Again, Nintendo leveraged the Wii Shopping Channel for the DSi Shop. [I liked the default categorization of titles by prices--free, 200, 500, and 1000 points. Sometimes, you shop for what you can afford, not to mention, who doesn't like free stuff?]
As for the web browser, I’m actually impressed: it’s faster than the Opera browser that was available for the DS Lite and faster than the homebrew browsers, not to mention that it supports forms better. In fact, using the touch keyboard [which is much faster and easier to use than on the Wii], I drafted most of this post from the DSi. I’m not going to do major surfing on the web with it, but it’s nice to have as an option, for trips or even around the house.
The DSi feels overall more compact and well made. My only nit is the SD slot–the cover opens and bends back for inserting and removing the SD card, something I can see cracking or breaking. I certainly love the matte finish.
If it weren’t for the homebrew issue, I’d upgarde our other DS Lite for the DSi. The camera and recording is fun for the kids, and I can see DSware having a bit to offer in the coming months. So, all in all, this is not a purchase/upgrade that I regret.
10 comments ↓
just a quick question …
can the dsi`s browser play youtube? that is the thing that might tempt me to pick one up.
Sadly, no, it cannot: it can’t install the required plugin, from what I can tell. Unfortunately, gmail also fails, which is unfortunate.
a most informative review. and boy do i like the idea of downloadable free stuff on a well designed handheld. then again as you mentioned the inability to actually play homebrew and -more importantly- gba carts makes it a rather tough sell…
In some ways, I saw the DSi as a mistake because it is more than just a redesign. It seems an upgrade of the same form factor, but, if game devs take advantage of the upgrades, then a huge customer base is left out.
I can understand ditching the GBA slot–GBAs are so cheap on the used market that it’s not that big of a deal. I can also understand moving to a model that allows for system upgrades. I have read that the piracy market via the slot 1 carts is huge, especially in Asia.
Yet, the DSi is selling very well, so it is a success so far. But I think within the year, we’ll see a shift in the market towards the DSiware and the DSi-spec games.
I wasn’t going to get one of these, largely because of the lack of a bility to run homebrew – but, after reading your review, and after the release of the new R4i and DSTTi, I think I might just buy one!
I’m holding off the likes of R4i so that I can a) how quickly Nintendo pushes firmware to block them and b) how quickly R4 responds.
Plus, I’m still not sure if the R4 team is behind the R4i. I’m seeing people having problems getting the r4i to work. You might want to wait and watch for a while.
A great review, but I’ll stick with my DS for now. I can’t give up the option of playing GBA games, although the browser is appealing!
though, it is just not the mere revising but a lot more internel has changed.proccesing power is doubled and ram is 4*4
Hi,
I am fond of technology this type of technology was really great i like it most.
And this will helpful me so i will definitely use it.
Great! I hope you enjoy the homebrew games and apps.
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