Zipit reveals Z2 Wireless Messenger for IM addicts

It's been quite some time since we've heard from Zipit, but the company is hitting back with a second version of its trendy Wireless Messenger. The Z2 doesn't deviate too far from the original's design, but the keyboard left a lot to be desired during our limited playtime. As expected, this handheld unit works on any WiFi network and supports AOL, Yahoo and MSN IM platforms so users can carry on multiple conversations. Furthermore, you'll find an integrated music player (dubbed MyTunez) that can play back files stored on your miniSD card or tunes streamed from the 'net, and the MyPhotoz feature lets you view photo slideshows, too. For those interested, it'll be available next month for $149.99, and if you hadn't already noticed, a host of hands-on photos are waiting below.

Gallery: Zipit reveals Z2 Wireless Messenger for IM addicts

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[robert @ Sep 27th 2007 12:18AM]

It has wi-fi, yet no browser?

[Trace The Hedgehog @ Sep 27th 2007 12:27AM]

The hell with your browser. The thing is for IM.

I'm definately getting this when it comes out. Seems like a pretty neat price too!

[0150r @ Sep 27th 2007 12:31AM]

If it has wifi and costs $150, it should have a browser. I understand that this device was designed for the teens, but using a 'z' for an 's' looks plain silly at best.

I'll stick with my Nokia 770 for IM/browsing.

[Bobs @ Sep 27th 2007 7:32AM]

Tell me about it, for that much money ($150) you could have yourself a DS with a datel max media dock, with a homebrew messenger,Beup ive tested it, it works, and a homebrew firefox-like browser. oh, and the ability to play games and stuff
man, id take the N800 or 77? internet tablet anyday, that thing is a dedicated webmachene.

[J. Corgan @ Sep 27th 2007 12:32AM]

I've been waiting for this for so long.

[Nik Shah @ Sep 27th 2007 12:45AM]

What the hell.. I should just sell a phone and call it a Wireless messenger. Ill sell my Pantech c120 wireless messenger for 100 bucks!

[bradwjensen @ Sep 27th 2007 12:49AM]

it should run the Pidgin app instead.

[MEAT! @ Sep 27th 2007 10:27AM]

My 1.5GHz, 512Mb computer can barely run Pidgin. That poor rectangle would probably catch on fire if you tried to run a behemoth like Pidgin on it.

[mikey pizano @ Sep 27th 2007 11:36AM]

I a running Pidgin on a 750MHz P3 with Firefox and Winamp (playing the DI.FM streams) with 384MB RAM.

[t-bone @ Sep 27th 2007 12:55AM]

I don't see the point of a device built for IM. My phone does AIM, Yahoo, and MSN as well as ICQ. I have more than enough text messages to sign in to any service I please and carry on whatever conversations I desire. It also does everything else and more except for streaming music over the internet.

[J. Corgan @ Sep 27th 2007 3:16AM]

A lot of people don't. But for me, this is perfect. I do not have a cell phone, nor do I want one. And I don't like Text messaging. I'd rather tap into Wifi and use my AIM/MSN/YAhoo and hopefully in the future, Jabber Contacts.

I agree with the comment below. It should run Pidgin.

[Garst @ Sep 27th 2007 3:56AM]

This device is marketed towards kids. I can see parents wanting to spend $150 for the device instead of $240 ($9.99/mo. for 24 mo.) for a phone, especially for your 8 year old that has no need for a phone.

[yoshi @ Sep 27th 2007 12:52AM]

I'd rather be a wallflower than be caught using that thing.

[Valgas @ Sep 27th 2007 12:52AM]

if only this thing was designed with web browsing in mind too. maybe it can be modded. or the browser can be purchased separately.

[Michael @ Sep 27th 2007 12:56AM]

Too expensive for just an IM client. Why not just pick up a 770 and get used to the thumb board? Pidgin runs great on mine. Although I'm selling it to help pay for an ipod touch... we'll see with this apple crackdown on the touch-hacking though. I would want to be able to install some more programs like the iphone...

Time will tell.

[Yoshi Likes Boys @ Sep 27th 2007 1:06AM]

"Get used to the thumb board." You answered the question yourself. I like everything about this device but the physical design.

[Michael @ Sep 27th 2007 1:43AM]

The nokia has a virtual thumb board, which is what i was talking about. I got one off woot and it's great, just not for storage.

[Yoshi Likes Boys @ Sep 27th 2007 2:39AM]

I'm aware, and I'm saying "get used to a virtual touch screen keyboard" is typical retarded internet blinder talk. Why not just pick up a 770? It doesn't have a keyboard. Just because your grubby paws don't mind doesn't mean everyone's are the same.

[Shadyman @ Sep 27th 2007 1:08AM]

Will it be equally as good for modding as the original?

[Ceralor @ Sep 27th 2007 1:12AM]

I imagine even easier given the integrated miniSD slot! Could find an easy overflow and hack, no hardware mods necesary. It's already got everything the modders were looking for, save a serial port.

[GrizzlyAdams @ Sep 27th 2007 1:13AM]

I hope they haven't completely locked down the new model. Upgrading the previous model to 2.0 firmware was a one way street unless you happen to be / know a soldering god.
Linux on a 90+ MHz ARM9 class cpu with a 320x240 color lcd + wifi & thumbboard is attractive thing to many folks at $150.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 27th 2007 1:24AM]

in other non-engadget new, Halo 3 just beat all entertainment records by hitting 170mil in the first 24 hours. beat spiderman/ harry potter.. all of it..

but whatever... hey look.. something not as useful as a pocketpc

[ark_v2 @ Sep 27th 2007 1:27AM]

Cool until I read the price. Ridiculous.

[rex @ Sep 27th 2007 2:47AM]

What is up with that ugly green color scheme??! This definitely needs a rework on the design front.. and i'm not saying that it should look like a mobile phone.. This thing is just ugly.

[Kris Janssen @ Sep 27th 2007 3:33AM]

AAAARRRRgggghhhhhhh the pain.... it's burning... my eyyyesssss AAAAAHHHHhhhhhhhh.

Ahem... it's ugly.

[Julian Bond @ Sep 27th 2007 3:34AM]

Voice? Video? Skype?

[Ben @ Nov 4th 2007 6:06PM]

that would be nice

[Christian Gravemaker @ Sep 27th 2007 4:20AM]

Did someone see my Game Boy Advanced SP? lol :D

[Jack @ Sep 27th 2007 4:34AM]

not bad idea, but too expensive for what it is, would rather get a DS with some homebrew for MP3s and IM, plus then you would have the ability to play games if you wanted to

[Rynth @ Sep 27th 2007 7:44AM]

I think its kinda funky, do these ever ship to the UK?

[Jaxon @ Sep 27th 2007 10:44AM]

Guys keep in-mind that these are NOT marketed toward any of us (atleast for us to use).

It's a kiddo device! The kids that are too young for a cell phone and it keeps them off Dad's PC for their IM'ing addiction.

I got a few of the first generation gratis and my kids absolutely LOVE them. I've talked them up to other parents but couldn't find any resellers.

I've been waiting for this next gen device to improve on a some of the limited design of the first generation.

I'm not sure why this thing hasn't taken-off. I don't think Zipit has really pushed the marketing very well

[Tim @ Sep 29th 2007 6:30PM]

Hasn't this already been done? Remember the Ogo? It failed miserably and I don't see why this wouldn't as well. Just get a smartphone or a UMPC.

[Rex @ Sep 30th 2007 2:25AM]

So, how long until this one gets linux like the first one? Any bets? I say a few months. At that point it might make a nice machine if they drop the cost to $99.

[joseph @ Oct 17th 2007 3:41PM]

will this work in the uk thank-you

[joseph @ Oct 18th 2007 1:15AM]

if i take it to the uk where there are wireless connections will it work can someone let me know please

[alvin @ Nov 12th 2007 4:41PM]

when can i buy one
some one email me the aswer i want one