I have been a longtime Slingbox owner. I started with the first-generation Slingbox, and (thanks to the luck of the draw a couple of years back at an Engadget meet-up in Boston) moved to the Slingbox Pro. In all this time, my love for the Slingbox and associated SlingPlayer software for both the PC and Windows Mobile has never waned.
For me, the Slingbox is not just about placeshifting for entertainment. Sure – being able to watch my local sports teams whenever I am on the road is nice to have. But more importantly, it is about being able to get the local and relevant information I want or need. Two examples:
- As a frequent flyer, I cannot tell you how many times I have used the local news and the Weather Channel’s “Local on the 8’s” to find out how the weather back home and how it might affect my travel plans. I can also relay countless stories of sitting at a terminal gate and watching the weather forecasts on my Windows Mobile device, only to discover one or more people looking over my shoulder. I believe I have sold more than a few people on the Slingbox with an impromptu demo :-)
- I have been very involved in my hometown of Salem, NH’s activities over he past few years, especially where education is concerned. Thanks to the Slingbox, I am able to watch School Board, Selectmen and other committee meetings on the local cable access channel when I am on the road. It is nice not have to spend time “catching up” on community news when I get back home.
I also have my Slingbox connected to cable through one of our ReplayTV boxes, allowing me to schedule recordings and play back shows when I am free to watch them.
The SlingPlayer software never ceases to amaze me for what it does. Continual enhancements in the software for Windows Mobile allow me to stream with great clarity over only an EDGE data connection (curse you, T-Mobile, for buying the 1700/2100 MHz spectrum for 3G).
If you are someone who travels frequently for business or pleasure and have yet to make the Slingbox investment, trust me – you are missing out.