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Datawind PocketSurfer2R

October 1, 2008

Datawind has added two updated models to its PocketSurfer line-up. One is a refresh of the existing model: the 2L will supersede the PocketSurfer2, which heads for retirement in November. Unlike the previous model, however, unlimited data roaming will not be offered for the first 12 months of ownership.

Instead, the PocketSurfer 2L will be available through Vodafone for £149.99 and will offer data roaming at 25 pence per minute. While broadly the same as the PocketSurfer2 in terms of build and specifications, the user interface has been updated: Datawind says the new model will offer an 'advance' use interface (the previous model had a 'basic' one). However, a significant difference between the outgoing model and the 2L is that the new model loses its GPS function.

The more interesting new model, the PocketSurfer2R, meanwhile, dumps the tricksy four-way mouse pad in favour of a modish touchpad. This model will also be sold through Vodafone and will offer unlimited data for a one-off fee of £59.99. In contrast to other providers' unlimited data offers, there is no fair use policy attached to the PocketSurfer deal that maker Datawind has done with Vodafone Wholesale.

Both new PocketSurfer models have 640x240-pixel widescreen colour displays that, because they are viewed as landscape, enable the user to see more of a web page content at once. The PocketSurfer2R will have an embedded GPS receiver, but the 2L version will not.

Although the internet access devices can be used for personal navigation - you need only head to Google Maps to get directions - Datawind makes it clear that its PocketSurfers aren't really designed for graphics-intensive tasks. For example, audio is not supported and they are not intended for viewing YouTube viewing clips.

 

Posted by: Rosemary Hattersley

 


Datawind ditches Orange and T-Mobile

Written by Matt Chapman   

Wednesday, 01 October 2008
Mobilee internet device maker Datawind has switched suppliers for its PocketSurfer web access product. The company had previously used data services from T-Mobile and predominently Orange in recent times, but will now access the Vodafone network to connect its customers.

Datawind said the wholesale data partnership with Vodafone will enable it to strengthen its mobile internet offering.

The announcement already appears to be reaping benefits, with the new PocketSurfer 2R enjoying roaming costs of just £0.05 per minute in the US and Europe.

Vodafone will supply Datawind with all Sims that are integrated into the handheld devices.

David Elder, chief operating officer at Datawind described the new partnership as "synergistic". Then he actually said some things in English: "Vodafone Wholesale has moved quickly and aggresively to support our efforts and has a common vision when it comes to the importance of the mobile internet and what consumers are looking for."

"The UK is a market that is demanding to be able to access the internet away from the PC," he added. 

 

Datawind PocketSurfer 2R Mini Laptop Gives Unlimited Wireless Broadband Access for £60 for Life

Datawind has come up with a new version of its mobile internet device range in form of the PocketSurfer 2R and is promising an unlimited web access for just GBP 60.

The new 2R version comes loaded with an embedded GPS receiver, a backlit QWERTY keyboard along with a touchpad.

It also has support for flash files and the company claims that it loads most pages within seven seconds; however it is not exactly made for watching heavy audio or video applications.

The PocketSurfer 2R will sport a price tag of GBP 199 which incidentally includes a 20 hours per month free web access for one year

For enjoying an unlimited access, one would have to shell out another GBP 60, however the company believes that its no strings attached web access will surely go down well with its users.

Expressing his enthusiasm, David Elder, the head of Datawind UK mentioned “You do not have to sign a contract, and there is no fair use policy, and no asterisks. When we say unlimited, we mean it.”

 

PocketSurfer 2R offers unlimited mobile internet for life (really)

October 2nd, 2008 Posted in Main Content
PocketSurfer 2R offers unlimited mobile internet for life (really) Looking for a surprisingly cheap way to surf the internet on the go? Datawind has upgraded its PocketSurfer device, and are pitching it a price point that will almost definitely impress you. Styled like the offspring of a netbook laptop and a mobile phone, the PocketSurfer 2R apparently offers "unlimited web access" for only £60 a year. Apparently this does literally mean unlimited with no contracts or fair uses policy - unlike

 

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Datawind PocketSurfer 2R

Datawind to PocketSurfer 2R is designed to be carried around for mobile access to the web anywhere and anytime.

This means that the device is limited to the small screen, but unlike many Smartphone, it is possible to view full Web pages correctly, and the purchase price includes one year in the value of surfing for a period of up to 20 hours per month.

We briefly saw updated equipment, which is now equipped with a laptop-style touchpad in the upper left corner of the keyboard area, rather than the four-scroll from the previous PocketSurfer.

This will allow you to scroll up and down Web pages faster swiping your thumb or finger over the touchpad, while pushing down on it generates mouse clicks.

The device is about the size and spectacle case and weighs 174 g, which is harder than many Smartphone, but it is slim enough slot in the jacket pocket. In the case opens clamshell-fashion, and can keep hanging on the screen half open (as a notebook), or all the way back, so you can cradle the unit in your hands.

Datawind claims that the PocketSurfer is faster access to Web sites than any other mobile device, despite the fact that instead of using the Vodafone GPRS or 3G HSDPA.

We were impressed at the speed that the place charged, but found that when we scrolled down, the device took a second or two to catch up and update the display.

We tried to PocketSurfer 2R on the number of Web sites, including BBC News, Google Mail home page, and found that all appear as you see them on your desktop computer.

However, 5in 640 x 240 screen means that you can see only a small part of most pages, so fair amount of scrolling and rýžování is necessary. Alternatively, is a function key lets you zoom out to see more, or zoom in on the mag nify of the page.

This keyboard has a decent size keys, but they are flat and metallic and reminiscent of equipment designed for harsh environments.

One feature we could not test (because we were in the interior) is based on PocketSurfer-GPS. This work with Google Maps that allows users to accurately identify their location, although Datawind said that this is not really up to scratch for in-vehicle navigation.

The PocketSurfer 2R is not a smartphone can be used for voice calls. In fact, it does not sound at all.

However, for users that want to access on-line e-mail address or look at news on the move, the PocketSurfer offers a cost-effective option that does not even need to sign up for mobile services.(vnunet)

Posted by Tony at 6:50 PM
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