What's the deal with paying to access internet on the Wii?

So I finally got myself a Wii last week. I was a little excited about having internet access since I still haven't pulled the trigger on buying a Mini for an HTPC. I set up my connection and hit the "Wii + Internet" channel, but instead of getting the internet I get a video on the benefits of surfing the net on my Wii. There wasn't even an explanation about how to get on the internet.

After a little searching online I found out that I need to buy and use 500 Wii points (about $5)to download an Opera browser and be able to surf the web. I thought that since I pay for my internet access and Opera is free that I shouldn't have to pay! Seems like kind of a ripoff to me.

Anyone agree or have any issues with the Wii I should prepare myself for?

Well, you can use the Internet to download system updates and interact in multiple player games without any fee. I think what you're referring to is accessing the WWW through a TV interface, for that they charge you for the Opera browser.

Opera only recently went free, prior to that there was an ad-supported version and a full, pay-for version. Since Opera couldn't compete on the desktop, they decided to go completely free. I guess the way they're making money these days is to develop for non-desktop platforms and making that a pay-for version.

Other than that, I can't think of any other hang-ups I've noticed with the Wii. Make sure you download your firmware updates right off the bat. Also, check out Monoprice.com for a component cable (instead of the crappy composite/stereo cable it comes with) if you have an HDTV. This way you can use the Wii in EDTV mode, with full widescreen capability.

Thanks for the info and tips. I guess I'll pay for the browser, though I don't know how much I'll use it. If I can use my points to pay for things right on the Wii I wish I could also purchase points through it too. Right now the only way I see of doing immediately is by heading down to a Best Buy or something and buying a card. I haven't really looked into it yet, so I have no idea how it works. Maybe I can buy points right on the Wii!

As far as the cables, I do have widescreen working already, but I plan to eventually get a component connection.

Yep, you can buy points on the Wii itself - that's the only way I've ever done it. I have not used the browser at all, so I can't comment on whether it's worth it.

I did purchase $50 worth of Wii points when I first bought the machine - and with that, I downloaded a number of "Virtual Console" games through the Wii Store. I also picked up a "Classic Controller" to play them, and that has proven to be worthwhile (sort of like reliving my childhood ). I have yet to try any of the "WiiWare" games, although I intend to if something out there strikes my fancy.

Also, two games that I would HIGHLY recommend right off the bat - MarioKart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy are some of the best console games I've ever played, bar none.

My comment on the component cable was related to a problem I had with the Wii. Although I set the Wii to Widescreen, my TV still detected it as standard analog TV, so it was distorted (circles were oval). After I switched to the component cable, my TV saw it as EDTV and allowed it to work correctly in 480p and widescreen - maybe that was an issue specific to the logic in my TV, not sure. But for $12 off of monoprice.com, the cable was well worth it - fairly dramatic difference in picture quality overall.

It does seem like a rip off. Opera is a very nice browser though, although I cannot comment on the console version.

Enjoy your new piece of kit