New PocketSurfer device launched October 1, 2008 Web User
The next generation of the PocketSurfer, a mobile internet-enabled device, has been launched by Datawind.
The device costs £199 and comes with a choice of data plans – you can pay a flat rate of £59.99 to get unlimited internet access for the entire lifetime of the device or you can pay £5.99 per month for unlimited use.
The PocketSurfer2R uses GPRS (general packet radio service) technology to connect to the web. Though GPRS is slower than EDGE or 3G, the company claims the device is one of the speediest on the market.
Datawind showed a video of the PocketSurfer2R pitted against a 3G iPhone opening various webpages at the same time, with the PocketSurfer coming out on top as quickest to load pages. Web User expects to have a test device shortly.
However, the device is not suitable for audio, video or many games. The company said that the device could display Flash-based content, though only very slowly.
The device also includes a touchpad for navigating web pages, unlike its predecessor.
Suneet Singh Tuli, chief executive of Datawind said: "We believe that the new PocketSurfer2R will appeal to an even wider audience with its improved navigability, increased speed of downloads as well as the industry-first reduced-rate roaming offer."
The device is available through PC World, Amazon, Maplin, John Lewis and other stores.
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