DataWind set to show off PocketSurfer 2

It's been a while since we last heard anything about DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 handheld, but it looks like the company might finally have something new to say about it, with a preview of the Internet-browsing device now slated for later this month. As you can see above, the invite to the event also included some fresh new pics of the device (such as they are), which could possibly suggest that it's actually nearing a release (or not). Whatever it is DataWind has in store, we should find out soon enough, as the event's set to go down July 12th.

[Thanks, Ross R]

[M @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:02PM]

Why do companies keep playing with the qwerty layout? At least ii is in order, but that doesn't look easy to type.

Looks very cool...
M

[Mike I @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:03PM]

Wow, that looks impressive. But how fast will it load the internet?

Will it be super slow like the PSP or iPhone? Or will it actually be able to compete with laptop computers?

[pito189 @ Jul 3rd 2007 4:10PM]

Are they PSP and iPhone actually causing the slow loads or is it the network they are on?

[james stringer @ Jul 3rd 2007 7:26PM]

With the PSP its just the lame browser...and with the iPhone its just the network :-P

[Jason @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:07PM]

So, how does it actually access the internet for free? Does it just leech off nearby wifi or is there another method? I don't see how it could use any wireless networks because the providers would certainly charge for tower use.

[dimsum05 @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:09PM]

Oh god, please don't tell me those are touch-sensitive key!

[fischju @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:14PM]

How else would they work......

[Hamicide @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:17PM]

hopefully with a little tactile feedback, similar to the RAZR?

[steven @ Jul 3rd 2007 4:43PM]

uMM...Who bought the PocketSurfer 1???

I remember selling these things when I worked at SED... yeah... needless to say I was out of a job pretty quick... these things are as useless as the plastic they are molded from.

Great in Theory... just cant execute the damn thing...maybe they shouldve sold their idea to Apple... and made it MEGA RICH.

[Rod Trent @ Jul 3rd 2007 5:32PM]

DataWind. Is that an electronic fart?

[TIMMAH! @ Jul 3rd 2007 5:52PM]

I see another MailStation...

[Othello @ Jul 3rd 2007 7:07PM]

I dunno, it looks pretty sexy. If it's not too expensive it'd definitely have me interested.

[nobody @ Jul 3rd 2007 7:31PM]

To answer your questions, it uses standard GPRS but has a compression chip that speeds up the load time up to 30 times faster than normal. As per previous posts, Datawind were giving away a Pocketsurfer 2 to any body who download a web page on their handheld device faster than theirs. To date none have been given away. As with data charges, it runs off a standard sim but does not access the internet but views a portal at the Datawind server. That way the data charges are much lower. Also when you buy the unit it includes 20 hours of surfing per month for the first year or you can pay a bit extra for unlimited.

[caveman @ Jul 3rd 2007 8:36PM]

why are there 2 different pictures of the device the one inside is different look at the placement of the 4 way pad

[maveric101 @ Jul 3rd 2007 10:41PM]

pretty sexy. i'd consider getting it.

[XSportSeeker @ Jul 4th 2007 12:51AM]

looks sexy, but not very functional...
Still, needs more details.
I'm guessing it's a Wi-fi device. Which is great... if you have a hotspot nearby that is. Just like the iPhone.

Now, if that runs 3G, and has a good processor, than it's exactly what the iPhone could've been.

Also, answering pito189: PSP is slow because of it's weak processor (takes long to render pages), iPhone can be slow (using EDGE, because of slow connection) but can also be really fast (using Wi-fi).

[Branko Collin @ Jul 4th 2007 6:42AM]

It looks like the manufacturer are interested more in providing a solution than a product. Solutions don't come with spec-sheets, which makes it almost impossible for me to compare this device to others that might be better for the problem at hand. Is this device better than say the Nokia 770 or the Asus EEE for what it tries to do? We'll never know.

[sirius @ Jul 4th 2007 7:40AM]

As somebody told before.. looks pretty sexy :D I'd take one ;)

[Galley @ Jul 4th 2007 10:06AM]

My eyes... my eyes!

[Jamie Lane @ Aug 24th 2007 11:49AM]

I agree with XSportseeker about it being sexy, but not about its functionality. As far as i'm aware it runs off GPRS so i don't have to find a hotspot, and Branko Collins why do you need a spec sheet? Why not wait and let the product speak for itself!

[Herman @ Jul 20th 2008 11:08AM]

You can find every review on the Pocket Surfer at http://www.ustechreviews.com

[Czar7ko @ Jul 23rd 2008 10:56AM]

a better one is www.mydataworld.co.uk

[Czar7ko @ Jul 23rd 2008 11:00AM]

http://www.mydataworld.co.uk

[Milos @ Jul 23rd 2008 3:31PM]

is it http://www.mydataworld.co.uk ?