DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 rumored to be coming to T-Mobile

We haven't heard much about DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 lately, but it looks like MobilePlanet may have gotten a bit more information on a possible release for the device, as its now has the handheld up for pre-order for $310. What's more, the site also says that a T-Mobile data plan is required for the device to function but, unlike the free GPRS for a year plan in the UK (up to 20 hours a month), those in the US will apparently have to drop $30 per month to get their web browsing done on the device. For those yet to be acquainted with the the device, be sure to check out Pocketables at the link below for a couple of better pics of it than we've seen before, and hit up the read link if you want to take a chance with that pre-order.
[Via Pocketables]

[Darnell @ Nov 9th 2007 12:04PM]

Very interesting-looking. Specs?

[ugg.tryptophan @ Nov 9th 2007 3:23PM]

Specifications: One tiny man on a surfboard

[Homeboy @ Nov 9th 2007 12:07PM]

What about WiFi?


No WiFi = No interest.

[Bobs @ Nov 10th 2007 8:44AM]

I agree, I would love a wifi only web browser, but the only thing i can find is the nokia internet tablets, my DS with the wifi browser, and my friend's PSP

[soul7963 @ Nov 9th 2007 12:37PM]

Does this mean that the UK get a better deal!?

I'm glad i'm sitting down!

[frank @ Nov 9th 2007 1:10PM]

Why do the specs seem to be a secret? The pages on bitsub and pocketables don't really give any useful info. It just claims to have a "browser" and "GPS". Nothing about what software it runs or the chipset. $300+ seems pretty steep for something so generic.

[Tom @ Nov 9th 2007 1:10PM]

So much bout doing minimal research, eh engadget?

http://www.datawind.com/DE/htm/Free%20Airtime.htm

It's on the official website, a link to the german offer.
250€, 1 year, 30 hours a month, 10€ a month for unlimited use, 50€ for 2nd year.
Explicitly says no additional contract needed.

-----

No wifi is one (bad) thing, what I don't get though: No memory or card slot? No media player functionality? No applications other than a browser? Seems like an aweful waste of an otherwise decent hardware.

[Click @ Nov 9th 2007 6:11PM]

The specs aren't a secret. You just have to follow the links. The first sentence at pocketables links here: http://www.pocketables.net/2007/07/pocketsurfer2-a.html And one of the links there takes you here: http://www.pocketsurfer.co.uk/technical%20specification.htm

[Tom @ Nov 9th 2007 1:31PM]

Oh wait, my bad. I thought you meant coming to T-Mobile Germany. Oops! Just can't get used to T-Mobile being a global player. :)


Btw. does anyone know if this works globally? I mean, websurfing only at home makes little sense for a mobile device...

[Scott @ Nov 9th 2007 1:25PM]

The datawind v1 was a one trick pony... internet browsing, which it does well by using an old (think 1980's) process of interpolating the web pages served up by a dedicated proxy server farm giving the perception of very fast rendering across very slow links. No local applications, no media or sound, no wi-fi, no 3G.

From what I've seen, v2 is a little fancier design but still a single function device.

Great idea and product that missed the market window of opportunity by about 6 years...

[jd @ Nov 9th 2007 2:58PM]

is that from the technology from alien planet?

[ventivent @ Nov 9th 2007 3:24PM]

Free GPRS?

You couldn't pay me to use GPRS...it's like surfing on a 14.4k modem.

[Dave @ Nov 9th 2007 4:12PM]

Come on Engadget. A T-Mobile data plan won't cost you $30. You haven't heard that T-mobile lowered the price of their unlimited data plan to $19.99 close to two months ago?
Have you heard Apple now has a phone?

[Big John @ Nov 9th 2007 7:08PM]

From the article: Monthly subscription of $30/month for a T-Mobile data plan is required for this product to function.

Perhaps T-Mo is expecting heavy use of this device and wants to adjust accordingly? Much like Sprint/Verizon charge more for having a BlackBerry?

[crow610 @ Nov 9th 2007 5:01PM]

This looks like a Folio!

you know...that thing Palm was doing..

[PEZ @ Nov 9th 2007 6:45PM]

The first pocket surfer got on line bia DUN BT.. so I wonder - it s Tmo plan is needed, then it either has an integrated EDGE chip (and hopefully wifi) OR, just wifi and BT for DUN.

Though, why would Tmo need to even market this POS? If its not a phone, get it out of my face.

[Big John @ Nov 9th 2007 7:06PM]

Someone find me this with a WiFi adapter and I'll buy it.

[Alex @ Nov 9th 2007 10:07PM]

Im Sorry, I Have A Noob Question, Is It A Phone Too? I Would Love It If It Were A Phone Too.................

[Alan @ Nov 10th 2007 12:27PM]

Middle icon on the bottom - Is that the Xbox Symbol?

[chemical peel @ Nov 19th 2007 5:07AM]

That pocket surfer looks really cool. very goodo blackk design.
http://www.3amed.com

[Czar7ko @ Jul 24th 2008 12:09PM]

Check out http://mydataworld.co.uk for a lot of pics and info

[rnpax138 @ Jan 4th 2009 6:14PM]

I am with T mobile and they like Blacberry and there own phone
http://ezdrugsdirect.com