Pocketsurfer2 -- mobile web browsing device
Have you heard of Datawind’s Pocketsurfer2?
I just came across it when I was doing an entirely unrelated search and I’m quite enamoured with the concept. It’s a web-only mobile device that has a stunning amount going for it.
First of all, it looks wicked and it’s got what the creators reckon to be one of the best thumb keyboards on the planet.
Second, Datawind reckon that most web pages load within ‘7 seconds’. Impressive when you’re sat arsing about with your Samsung’s 100 pixel wide browser trying to view the likes of eBay’s main site.
Third, there are no web data fees. Yup. That’s what got my eyebrows narrowing with intense interest. How does that work? Apparently Datawind have taken care of that:
[Pocketsurfer2] … works everywhere your mobile-phone works, not just at Hotspots. For the average-user, DataWind pays the mobile operator, so you don’t have to.
The small print reckons you get about 20 hours per month worth of browsing included for a year. Once that year’s expired it’s forty-quid for another year. If you’d like to upgrade to unlimited browsing per month, they’ll charge you a very reasonable £5.99/month.
Is 20 hours/month enough? We are confident that it will be sufficient for most users. Twenty hours per month is almost 3 times the average monthly usage of a mobile phone. For those that need more usage, it is available at only £5.99/month.
For how much? £179. One off payment for the device.
Very interesting indeed.
It appears that the device was launched in July 2007 … that’s when the last news story appears. I completely missed it’s arrival. You can apparently get the devices in UK department store, John Lewis.
Here are the features: –
• Independent self-contained unit with built-in GPRS modem and SIM
• GPS location information
• Lithium polymer battery
• 5 hours battery life for active usage, and 5 days standby
• Built-in high performance antenna
• Transreflective backlit display
• 640 x 240 VGA colour
• Mini USB charger
• Mouse pointer
• Backlit QWERTY keyboard
• Sub 7 second page-load
• Web browsing in original layout
• Weight – 174 grams
• Dimensions – 152 x 75 x 15 mm
Anyone tried one? Has anyone got one?
I’m going to try and get one to have a look at.
More info at www.datawind.com.
