Looks to be basically an internet media reader.
Why would anyone get this vs. a tablet of some sort? It costs as much as any low-end tablet and isn’t as versatile from what I can tell.
Is it designed for people who are afraid of computers but want Teh Intarnet anyway?
Afraid of computers? Quite the contrary, it is open-source and designed to be hacked. It can do far more than what it is capable of from the factory, provided you or someone else is developing for it.
Back when I setting up a music player. I looked at Chumby. I have tons of music stored on my computer and wanted a good way to play it in the living room with my stereo. Cumby has apps to allow you to access music on other computers on you network. I ultimately went with squeezebox because I felt it had a better connection to my stereo.
My sister was interested in one a year or more ago. I think they came out before tablets existed. At this point I think people would rather get a tablet unless there is a price reason to do otherwise.
I can see the market for some sort of shared, tablet-like appliance - to store the family calendar, phone book, act as an always-on client for a shared family email account, skype client, etc.
Not sure if this is it, but it might be.
My sister has one that she got about 5 years ago. She has all kind of applications for it but mostly uses it as a music player and aimless time waster.
She used to be the network admin at her company and owns 3 computers so she’s not computer-phobic.
Because a Chumby is for someone secure enough to enjoy assorted internet applications in the comfort of their home from, say, their bed or sofa. A tablet is for self-centered assholes who have to lug them all over town, flashing them at any opportunity to share with everyone how big their solitaire game is now.
Chumby predates (affordable) tablets. They were more about releasing a form-factor than a product. The idea was basically “cheap touchscreen internetty devices for home don’t exist, lets release a generic one and see if anybody finds a killer app.”
The big difference compared to a tablet is that Chumby’s aren’t meant as a “take with you” thing so much as a part of your home. An alarm clock + picture frame + media player + home automation controller + etc.
That’s what I use it for, a fancy alarm clock. I picked one up when my last alarm clock died. I never have to set it (it syncs over the Internet), get a news/weather overview in the mornings, stream music as my alarm, and watch Netflix in bed (I occasionally post Facebook and Twitter updates as well). I believe there is a webcam app – I 'll be able to monitor my front door when I get off my duff and install it. 
I picked up the Sony version (Dash) on Woot for something like $60.
it was out before small affordable tablets. it is a bedside, armchair device to keep up on selected web things.
Is my Kindle safe? I see it has a section marked “Experimental”, and I can almost get onto the web and stuff…
Thanks
Q
I got the previous model with a fantastic discount. I use it to run Pandora on the hi-fi, a task for which it is quite suitable. I intended the wee bugger to be a fun toy in the kitchen but its wifi range is a bit iffy.