Nintendo DS Browser
 

I want to get a DS so I can use the internet browser, but I'm confused. There seems to be a DS and a DS Lite, which one do I want? Is the Lite just the new version of the DS? What do you guys think of the DS browser? And does anyone *not* recommend using the DS to use the internet for any reason?

(Btw, I wouldn't mind getting a used one as long as it still works fine - cosmetic problems don't bother me - so if anyone has one to sell that they can guarantee works fine let me know. :D )

I don't know much about using the DS to browse the internet, but I can at least attempt to tell you the differences between the DS lite, as opposed to the regular DS.

The DS lite is, as you said, the newer version of the DS, kind of like the GBA versus the GBA SP.

The DS lite is smaller and lighter, and also has four different levels of brightness for the screen. The power button is located on the side, as opposed to the front, and the battery life is longer, but can vary depending on what brightness level you choose. The stylus is also larger. However, if you intend to play GBA games on the DS lite, do note that they do extend out past the bottom of the DS lite, by about 1 cm.

As for the regular DS, it's bigger, bulkier, doesn't have as good of battery life, also does not have four levels of brightness, and the GBA cartridge does not extend out past the bottom.

I've played both, and I guess I am weird to say I prefer the regular DS as opposed to the DS lite, the lite seems a bit too flimsy for me, but again, that's just me =P

I also see no point in me buying a lite, since I have a DS and it has had no problems at all with anything. Perhaps if it were to die on me I'd buy a lite, but I just hope it doesn't come to that =)

As for which one to get? Either one is fine really, it's just what you prefer =D

Wait...you can play GBA games on the DS?? :wiltshock: I had no idea! Awesome!

Sure can =) You just can't play gameboy color games =(

The difference between the Lite browser and the original DS browser is that they only work for their respective systems. If you have a Lite, get the browser for the Lite and if you have a standard DS, get the standard DS browser.
The only real problem is that the Lite browser is the only one on retail. If you want the standard DS browser you'll have to buy it from nintendo's website. And if you don't already have a wireless router you can purchase the special Nintendo USB port that will allow the Nintedo Wii, DS, and DS Lite to go online. You can find these items here
As for using the handheld browsers to surf the net, I have not used them myself, but I hear they are, understandably, slower than a PC. My guess is that it would be similar to the Wii browser because it would take a longer time to load screens and sites. But it's usually no longer than 30 to 60 seconds (depending on your connection I suppose).
Another thing to consider is that, unlike the Wii, I don't think you're able to download updates for the browser to view newer flash sites. This may mean that you would have to buy a newer browser down the road if they make one.
I hope that helps, Sparky.:)

It's good that you're getting a DS, Sparky. I'm think of getting the new DS lite since one of the screens of my standard DS is not working and missing the DS pen so I had to use a DS lite pen. Either way, it's okay to pick the standard DS, although the DS lite will seem a bit better.

I don't have the browser for myself, but I heard it had slow loading times. Probably because the server is in Japan somewhere. I also heard it doesn't support Java or Flash, but I've heard people say otherwise.

As for the DS choosing, I'd recommend the lite over the original. In fact, I haven't even seen boxes for the DS Phat in a while.

I think they phased out the old DS because the DSLite is printing more money for Nintendo. As for the browser... I haven't been able to try it because I can't find a Nintendo Wi-Fi hot spot. Maybe I need to buy that silly USB Wi-Fi adapter thingy.

I can tell you right now that the one accessory that is a must buy for any DS owner is stick on screen protectors, I can say with much certainty that they will save your screens from a lot of ware and tear. Extra styluses are a good idea too since just in case the unthinkable happens and the stylus that came with the system goes to the land of the lost.

Is the DS browser out now? I should get it for my original DS, the PSP browser is awwwwful x.x only good for d/ling demos XD

Yep! I've seen the Lite version of the browser in stores, and the standard DS one online.:D

I personally would get a DS Lite, seeing as they have more light settings, and more portability, and energy-conserving capabilities, etc.

I have a DS-lite now. The screens is much better than the standard DS, so I would suggest the DS-lite. Wal-Mart has the DS-lite in sale, it comes in white, black, or pink, so far.

yeah the only problem with the DS lite is that the alarm clock feature kinda seems pointless, as even on its lowest light setting its still bright. anyway i also feel the need for the browser. portable computer=greatness

I decided to go for this bundle that goes on sale next week. Because red and black are awesome, and I want that game anyways. Thing is I can't really afford it, so I gathered up some games and accessories I don't really need and I'm going to see how much I can get for them at Gamestop (I ought to reserve the bundle to make sure I get one); then I'll see what I can scrape together for the rest. :P

That is one sleek looking DS, Sparky. It's certainly the most stylish one I've seen yet. And if Brain Age 2 is anything like the first one then it should be a good game. The "non-games" are great, they're just not my thing, though. I hope you manage to snatch this one up.:D

Oh, I love Brain Age! I don't have a DS, but my grandmother (*snorts... she only bought it for Brain Age*) does and I play it on there occasionally.

I'm glad you're going with the Lite; I like them a lot.

The red/black looks neat; personally, I'm a girly-girl and I'd get the pink. But that's just me.

The fact that it doesn't play Color games is sad; I have lots of them. Like Tetris and that awesome Spy vs. Spy game...

-Marty :goo:

I have the Spy vs Spy game, got it used though, I wish I had the manual (I had Spy vs Spy for the Commodore 64 and its the same game, but I'd still like the manual). Well, I'll still have my SP - which, incidentally, is pink. ;) I like pink a lot. But I have a thing for red and black.

By the way, I only got like 15 dollars for all the stuff I sold at GameStop, but I was able to sell the stuff they wouldn't take over at Dimple and I got $20 there. The next day I brought in a mess of old videotapes to Dimple and got $50, but I decided to take that in store credit because if I opted for cash it would have been only $40. Oh well. The red/black DS comes out on Tuesday, and I have one reserved.

Glad to hear, Sparky. The DS is a really fun little thing. Here's hoping for a fast delivery. :D

Lol, I'm on it right now. :terrsmile: Whee. :P I wasn'r expecting it to be amazing. Maybe I'll use it to blog with LJ when I'm out if a place has wifi.

The crimson/black DS, however, is really neat. :D I still need a good carrying case though, as the one it came with - while nice - isn't designed to hold anything beyond he Lite itself.

Glad to hear that you're enjoying it, Sparky. Sounds like money was well spent! :D