Logitech Revue with Google TV
Retail price: $250
People who enjoy passive activities, like watching television or browsing the web aren't usually all that into active pastimes, like puzzles -- but that's what they'll get with the Logitech Revue with Google TV (GOOG). First, there's the riddle of connecting it to your entertainment center, which -- depending on your television provider and components -- can be mind bending. Then there's the mystery of finding web videos to watch.
Free sites like YouTube and CNN.com work well, but the major networks including ABC, NBC, and CBS have blocked access to full episodes from their sites. Pay services, meanwhile, are a mixed bag: Netflix works fine, but Comcast's Fancast renders nothing but on-screen question marks.
But your favorite couch potato wouldn't likely discover that on his own, since that stumper of a keyboard/remote control has buttons that change function depending on what's on the screen. So one minute you're pulling up a menu, and the next you're flipping through browser tabs.
Verdict: This one's not quite ready for primetime.
NEXT: Barnes and Noble Nook Color
Last updated December 22 2010: 8:24 AM ET
