January 5, 2006 10:58 AM

Would depend on the cost, feature set and if that included half way decent suppot.

January 5, 2006 11:09 AM

I really don't care if I have to pay, I just want it NOW! When is it going to be available?

January 5, 2006 1:27 PM

Now that I think about it, I think anyone who brought the slingbox when it first came out should get it for free. Since we all expected to have it last year.
Sony does not charge for their psp player and I don't think they will be charging for their mobile player.

January 5, 2006 2:31 PM

I've purchased two Slingboxes, one when they first came out and one in December. I knew they only came with the Slingplayer for my PC. I would purchase a mobile player for my Treo 650 without hesitation. I would expect free updates for at least a year!

January 5, 2006 8:28 PM

I'd pay for the mobile client (in it's alpha, "beta", final release state, whatever!).

Having said that, the driving force behind my Slingbox purchase was the ability to sling to my phone (being able to set DVR from the road, catch a sporting event in progress, etc). At work, I'm usually *working* (surprise) so I never considered purchasing a Slingbox (despite the ads and press coverage) until hearing about the mobile client.

Waiting for a beta client release (or invitation...) is probably more of what irritates me (yes, I feel for you Mac users too!). I thought it would be an "any day now" type of thing when I purchased my Slingbox (and maybe it is for 15 people), but now get the feeling that it could be MONTHS away from making it to the masses (as really important things like mobile client price point and software distribution channels are decided <grin>). Let's hope the fact that CNN, MSNBC, et al are now demoing it live means it will be released sooner rather than later.

An API or open source would be fantastic for supporting other devices (old and new) and community-supported player customizations, although highly unlikely (especially if there indeed will be charges for the mobile client!)

If there are charges for the mobile client, I hope they are mainly to fund a portion of the development cost of the client(s) - and not an attempt from Sling Media to get their piece of the V-Cast/SprintTV/etc pie.

Hoping we'll hear some real release news soon...

ok, I admit I sometimes connect to my Slingbox from work :)

(edit-thought the above would be in small text!)

January 5, 2006 9:21 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/05/sl...

January 5, 2006 10:06 PM

Right, subscription would be crazy. (but we are just in the rumors forum...) I like this one: http://www.insidebayarea.com/business... particularly this paragraph: "San Mateo-based Sling Media Inc. announced new software for its Slingbox product to let owners watch what would be available on their home television from mobile devices. The software works with any mobile device that uses Microsoft Corp.'s Mobile Platform operating system and works as a distant remote control to your home television. The software comes at a cost of $250 along with Slingbox hardware or is available free for download to those who already own a Slingbox. " Let's hope "Barbara Grady, BUSINESS WRITER" is a good reporter... (edit-another favorable rumor here: http://www.cbronline.com/article_news... )

January 6, 2006 8:44 AM

OK, so they announced it. Where is it?

January 6, 2006 4:17 PM

Back to the store it goes....