Love the Chumby, too bad it's not in Canada

In case you missed it, I recently wrote an article for Sympatico MSN about great tech we can't get in Canada. And you can add the Chumby Internet media player to that list, too.

Never heard of the Chumby ($180 incl. shipping)? That's because it's not yet available in the Great White North. But it works here, as our family has used it for the past couple of months.

Using your existing Wi-Fi network, the Chumby is small tabletop touch-screen device that displays Internet content of your choosing. Select from more than 1000 "widgets," including TV shows, weather, email, news, photos, sports scores and stock quotes.

Set up was as easy as registering on the Chumby.com website, choosing the desired content from 30 categories and then using a fingertip on the Chumby’s 3.5-inch screen to find the wireless network. We kept the leather-clad Chumby on the kitchen counter (nearby power outlet required), an ideal place to read Food Network recipes, listen to streaming radio stations or play a round of Sudoku.

Navigating through all the content was a smooth process, though sometimes we had to press the same button on the screen twice for it to register. We also liked an unadvertised feature: two USB ports on the back of the Chumby let you connect an iPod or USB thumbdrive full of music or audiobooks; use your finger to select the desired track and you’ll immediately hear it through its loud speakers.

It's too bad we can't get this gadget in Canada (the company says it doesn't know if or when it will be available here) but the wide selection of widgets, cute form factor and no monthly fee all proves the Chumby is more than a mere gimmick. If you find yourself south of the border, pick one up.

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