Ready for some excitement in the form of watching a startup squirm as it waits for its product to gain traction? Take a glance at Peek, which is churning out a dedicated handheld that handles e-mail, a few chain forwards, and more e-mails when you're done with that. At first glance, one may consider such a one-trick-pony quite ridiculous, but it's hard to say what will end up catching on these days. The biggest problem facing Peek is the pricing: it'll be $99.95 up front when it lands in Target next month, plus $19.95 per month to send unlimited e-mails over T-Mobile's network. Of course, if anyone figures out how to load
Opera Mini up here, the Bulls-eye Shop won't be able to keep the shelves stocked.
[Via
Silicon Alley Insider]
posted Aug 20th 2008 5:29PM
"...Of course, if anyone figures out how to load Opera Mini up here, the Bulls-eye Shop won't be able to keep the shelves stocked."
I'd say if I can get Opera Mini AND Skype on it, then Target couldn't keep them in stock ( and the T-Mo lawyers at bay ).
I doubt that.
Even if it had a browser I would think it would still be limited to an extent.
I mean continuing from my post below...no wifi...screw that.
TMobile may be good for some people but where I live, it's downright embarrassing.
I forgot to mention Skype. Yes, that could be really cool.
But TMobile will bitch 24/7 about it. And if you only ran on wifi...you might as well call it a skype phone with email. But if your in your house you might as well just check your email there...so sort of defeats the purpose.
$20 a month? Yeesh. You might as well pick up a PDA phone and deal with Windows Mobile or Palm. You'll certainly get more bang for your buck.
@BigD145
Exactly the reason i like my Blackberry, which was free with instant rebate from WalMart for signing up with T-Mobile
What a waste of tech. and money. Sticking Opera Mini would be something they should of done in the first place.
Brilliant idea, if you ask me. Ideal for people who hangs on email and do not want PC full of viruses to handle them. Just a secure island for important emailing. Unfortunatelly market for this thing must really be limited. Kudos to anybody who dared and spend money to bring this to life.
Actually I could see a good niche in the market for this thing. I happen to have met a number of very smart antisocial engineers who simply hate the idea of people being able to call them and rely on email alone for long distance communication.
Plus this thing would be bundles of fun to hack into a Linux command line based system that could ssh.
yep
Kind of like a 1st Gen Blackberry
Exactly like a first gen Blackberry - anyone else have Deja Vu when they saw this?
Hmm... If I could drop the whole 'voice' side of my iPhone plan, and just pay the $20 a month data charge for unlimited email, web, maps, etc, I would do it in a heartbeat.
This little thing could make a run for it. Like a simple Blackberry. I like scrappy little startups willing to take a jab at the big players, albeit a little underfeatured.
"a little underfeatured"
Kinda like Rosie O'Donnel is "a little" unattractive?
Rosie O'Donnel is a little overweight.
if you want to drop the voice side of your iphone plan, just get an ipod touch.
I believe they in fact have a plan just like that, for only data and text messaging. It is made for the hearing impaired, but I don't think you have to "prove" a disability. You should call AT&T about it... say you have a family member who is deaf
if he gets an iPod touch, he only has wifi, and no EDGE/3G. Not really the same thing in the end.
Or how Rosie O'Donell is "a little" butch?
Another company filing for chapter 11.
Makes no sense.
My AT&T voice account was $50 a month.
I got an iPhone, and for an extra $20 a month I get unlimited data and as many e-mail accounts configured as I want, plus now I have exchange support. I think it's basically the same for BB/Palm/WinMo.
$20 a month for just e-mail? They should have launched this in 2002. Except RiM be them to it by 5 or 6 years.
I predict total failure within 12 months.
seriously?
Great idea, this!!!!!....
Now all they need to do is add web access, a camera and the ability to play mp3s...
Oh...and voice capability...
and then they would have a....oh wait...I think that's been done already.
Never mind.
No wifi?
Opera Mini won't even install on my Blackberry. What hope does this Crackerjack toy have?
@ eric
Try www.getjar.com from ur blackberry, it will give you the appropriate download for opera mini browser for the blackberry, it worked on my curve. i wasnt happy withe the blackberry browser so i went to getjar and downloaded it, hope that helps you, er maybe it just works on curve???
With a proper browser, and if it only cost $5 a month it could be worth it. As it is now, no way.
$20 a month for emails only is steep, maybe $9.99 cuz Sidekick can do unlimited email/SMS/MMS for $20. It better be html style emails too not text base... Also this better have a large capacity for huge attachments, would be great if this is also a portable flash/hard drive to carry with you...
$20 a month? I don't see how anyone will go for this.
They are targeting (pun) the typical consumers. I am willing to be a large percentage of cellular customers don't even know they can get phones that surf the web and check email... It may be popular for the uniformed. Stranger things have happened (Starbucks).
Dear Peek & Engadget: I was reading about something similar (if not better) the other day. It not only does email, for about the same price on a low cost tarrif, but adds text messaging, a camera, a web browser, contact management, a few mini desktop apps and even a music player with a 3.5mm headpone jack. Oh, and you can make phone calls on it too. Just trying to remember the name! I have a mental image of a dark fruit that some housewives mix with apple for a nice desert. Hmmm. I have seen quite a few around - millions in fact. Have you?
I think you're talking about the Meizu M8...
Oh...
Wait...
Nevermind.
GR
why would you mix apples and apples?
blackberry DAMMIT
Test
Actually, I coulld see this making a lot of sense for business and enterprise users that want their employees tethered, but don't want to pay for a full blown voice/data plan. But, I would expect a company to launch in Target if they were trying to attract business and enterprise users.
*EDIT
But, I would NOT expect a company to launch in Target...
They are kidding....... Why oh why???
This thing is DOA think about the Sony MYLO at least it can do so much more and where are they with that offering?
Secondly, this thing won't even take advantage of T-Mobile's 3G probably EDGE at best. So you are better off getting a Sidekick.
I don't get it. This looks exactly like an 8 year old BlackBerry. Do we know if this thing even has push email?
I'm on my way to their website to see if I can find out which VC was stupid enough to invest in this joke.
Um... this is a great idea. I pay $15 a month for texting alone. If I can pair one of these up with a pay as you go phone, that would be perfect! $20 for email + Pay as you go phone seems very reasonable to me.
If they have any kind of success at all, I fully expect RIM to bring out the patent-lawyer-guns a-blasting given their obvious thumb-wheel rip-off...
I found their dev blog:
http://blog.getpeek.com
Rather interesting stuff.
Aztec - NOT texting...just email.
I'm thinking of producing a television that only does black & white.
Yes, and he will avoid patent issues because there will be no grayscale...only black...and white.
This could actually work if marketed right, and the evidence of to who they're trying to market this at is in where they're launching it: target. Basically, give it a great UI experience that everyone can use, and you're telling granny all the benefits of email - a "wireless typewriter" or something. Basically for anyone without an internet connection or familiarity with computers (yes, they do exist), $20/month actually wouldn't be that bad.
Of course for the rest of us sheep in Steve Jobs' gigantic iPhone flock, this is pointless. But it still has merit.
I predict they will sell millions of these...and by millions I mean none.
I think its a good idea. Nice low priced alternative to Blackberry and iPhone. Though I think the price is too high. It should be priced around $50 for the handheld with monthly fees around $10. At this price I think they will have 100x more subscribers.
Lets see... the device looks nice and slim though I'm thinking the better choice in my book to be a sidekick with no voice. Unlimited date for only $30/month from t-Mobile. take a peek at their site!
@Mike
It's not a "nice" low cost alternative to the Blackberry or iPhone. Those both do indefinetely more things and cost $30 per month on top of a phone plan. With this you pay only $10 less, get strictly email and nothing else, and are forced to carry a second communication device.
Actually, this may be a perfect solution for me. I 'settled' on a Sidekick because I wanted email, but not necessarily everything else, including the cell phone, but it was the best deal for unlimited email at the time. Get most everything by email now including voicemails, faxes, reminders, notes, etc. Text is unreliable, but email from those that I want to receive get through most every time (with a little setup sometimes). Rarely use the cell phone anymore (headaches from emf and poor reception in my area) so instead of paying 70+ for my sidekick with unlimited email, 20 a month for just simple email is a bargain and may be the solution for me. Look forward to checking out the features to see what it can (and can't) do. We don't need no stinkin cell phone! :)
poor little start-up...
Hi Engadget Readers,
You guys have probably figured out by now that Peek wasn't made for Engadget readers like you. We know -- it's a crazy plan!
It was made for someone else...someone you probably know.
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2___ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4___ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10___ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
If you know someone who would say yes to 5 or more of the above, post your quiz response here and send your mailing address to amol at getpeek dot com. We'll send the first five responses a free Peek with free service.
And while you're waiting to hear if you won you can read our blog at http://blog.getpeek.com or go shopping on Ebay for those amazing retro Blackberries some people seem to love http://is.gd/1MIs or http://www.russellbeattie.com/notebook/1008582.html
Looking at that checklist I can definitely relate to a lot of those points, especially the whole contract deal. From a business perspective I like the idea of having a dedicated device to manage my email. I think it would keep me much more organized. I guess it depends on the strength of the email client included but I wouldn't discount the thing outright as it might be a nice solution for some.
But my friends send me attachments with their emails -- documents, images ... sometimes, web links too! Can the Peek device handle those?
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1_x_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6_x_ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
--
Answering for myself -- this seems like it'd scratch just about where I itch (I must not be a normal Engadget reader). If it's possible for it to do instant messaging as well, it'd be a no-brainer for me. I'll be looking for them in stores if I don't manage to get one from here...
Don't forget, this would be nice for the hearing impaired. Not everyone needs/wants voice capabilities.
If it could do Instant Messaging and SMS, that might make it a keeper.
Very good point! I know for a fact AT&T charges outrageously for their hearing impaired plan.
hey, i'm not one to pass up free stuff.
1_x_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_x_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Agreed - My wife and my Mom would love it...
1_x_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_x_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Ok. Free stuff is good with me.
3420 Country Club Dr 111
Irving, Texas 75038
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2___ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3__X_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4__X_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___X "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8__X_ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___X "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10___ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1__X_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2__X_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3__X_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_X__ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
@ Amol:
I'll check all except for 6,8, and 9!
Looks good to me- I'd say add RSS feeds and total 10 bucks per month and you've got a winner!
-
1__X_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2___X "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3__X_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4__X_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___X "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ X"I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10__X_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
well I'll bite to try it out.. its a cool idea!
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_x_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_x_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8_x_ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9_x_ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10___ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Wow, that was quick. We'll extend the offer -- if you post your survey answer here and email me at amol at getpeek dot com, we'll check back here in a few days and give another five away randomly.
Meanwhile, you can read our lovely blog at http://blog.getpeek.com/ or just order one (they are not expensive!) at http://www.getpeek.com starting in a couple of weeks
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
Hear the music jingle in the background, and a voice comes on - only to say, "please wait while our customer representatives will be with you shortly". Oh gosh. Even the best carrier I've experienced needed at least 1 telephone call / check-up in person.
And why do so handsets still have so many bugs, lags, crashes... etc. in their software, even after rigorous testing? Bottom line, things need to just work - properly and seamlessly. No, not the Vista way.
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
G-Mail, Mac.com, work and my university one. Used to use AIM and Hotmail but migrated out of them for G-Mail's capacity, reliability, IMAP server access (they finally got it!).
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
Being "chained" to a carrier for years - no thanks. Having experienced Rogers (in Canada) 3-year contract, any contract is hard to swallow. I hate how everywhere, people fail to realise the initial attraction of lower initial purchase price, is what makes them pay more to the cell phone carriers in the long run. There is always a better monthly plan with more offerings after couple of months. That's how carriers attract more customers or switch from competitors. Carriers never "lose" money when selling a handset for a hundred bucks less. They can easily recuperate it within the couple of months - that's right, from your month bills.
Short term pain (higher handset price, lower total bill (same 12/24/36 months) and no contract) vs. Long term pain (lower handset price, higher total cost (same 12/24/36 months) and "lockdown" for years)
I'm definitely picking short-term.
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
Couldn't agree more to that. Signing at the bottom of any agreement is like signing your soul away.
5_X__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
Best example, "System access fees"...
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
I can easily think of scenarios like this - hiking trip, going out at night.
I don't mind carrying the iPhone because it's cool looking, thin and well designed by Apple. Only thing is it's kinda heavy and I would get in great trouble if I lose it (confidential information from work, personal e-mails). So I worry a little bit. Sometimes, I do appreciate just having a separate simple phone (like the Razr) for that kind of day/event.
Just think, when you're out at night and a girl gives you her digits. She offers to punch it in for you and holds on to your QWERT BlackBerry Curve, Samsung Blackjack... etc. And then, "wow, where are the numbers", or "where do I type"... Awkward. Thick, wide, QWERTY keyboard all over the front - not sexy at all. Yes, a simple phone like the Razr would have helped in that case.
And I don't need to be bombarded by e-mails constantly during my hiking trip. Nor do I need to carry an expensive smartphone that might get lost, wet or damaged in the woods. A simple phone would do. I have real hiking equipment with GPS, so I don't need one on my cellphone. Hiking is about rejoicing with nature, so no need for the YouTube, Stocks, instant messaging or games...
7_X__ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
I've never ran into any setup problems with the iPhone. Fastest, easily setup I've experienced. The BlackBerry is pretty smooth too, but I'd say it can still be a lot easier and better looking. A step down, the same applies to Nokia E61 and Motorola Q9. I've played with the Sidekick and it's got decent e-mail setup.
Time is crucial, I don't want to spend too much time fiddling the new handset just to get it to work.
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
Only have this feeling every now and then. Not really.
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
My iPhone is connected to everything from e-mail, calendar, tasks, phone. I'm not restricted Wi-Fi hotspots either. So I'm never offline. Add that to my punctual, organised manner.
But I do agree, people who only rely for Wi-Fi check their e-mail and stuff less frequently can be a pain sometimes.
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, good keyboard - TICK.
I have no problem with the $100 price, although it'd definitely be much more attraction if it's cheaper. I'd say $80 is best. (Maybe offer a $20 rebate?) The month cost $20 is a little harder to justify though. T-mobile offered a $10, unlimited BlackBerry e-mail option. Yes, it requires an existing voice plan and a BlackBerry/BlackBerry Connect compatible handset, but still!
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_X__ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1_X_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_X_ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6_X_ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8_X__ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_x_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8_x_ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2__X_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3__X_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4__X_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7__X_ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9__X_ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10__X_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Ricky Turner
Does anyone remember the Ogo on AT&T (pre Cingular merger)? I had one, I think I paid $50 for the device and $15/month for the plan which included unlimited e-mails and unlimited instant messages. I believe it was a non contract plan also. It was actually an interesting device until Cingular came in and crushed all of AT&T's innovation. Anyway this thing sorta reminds me of this.
Actually I think its a fantastic idea. Though there is a lot of what ifs. Battery Life? Replaceable? Screen Resolution? I HOPE its at least 480x320 minimum. How thin is it?
E-Mail only is fine. $99buck is fine if the hardware is good.
Here is the deal breaker for me. $20 buck a month. No a chance in hell. Sorry. Way way too much money. EVEN $5 a month for ONLY e-mail would be seriously pushing it.
Now charge $150 for it and include wifi and Bluetooth for tethering and NOW you might have something.
If you gave the handset away for free with a 1 year pre-paid purchase commitment to service then $20 a month after that then hell yes I would sign up immediately!
But at you current business model, your deal does not beat getting a blackberry curve with unlimited data only with email and web.
Give the unit away for free with a 1 year pre-paid commitment and you will win, do otherwise and you will lose fast!
ATT released something similar in 2005 called the OGO, $99 and $19.99/mo for unlimited email/IM/textmsg
it bombed
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_X__ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2__x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3__x_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4___ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6__x_ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10___ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Great! This will be a great with my Jitterbug phone!! (http://www.jitterbug.com)
Peek me! -
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_X__ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5___ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
I want to say thank you for going against what everyone else thinks is "conventional". You're
absolutely right, the geeks won't think too much of this device, but I can think of a dozen people
that would love to have your Peek(r). I mean seriously, what did people think when Apple thought up
the iPod device years ago? There were already many music players on the market...but what they did is
incredibly simplify the experience...and made it available to the "rest" of the folks...and the rest
is history.
Just last night I was talking to a friend who does full time evangelizing work during the day...and
has about 400 emails waiting for him every couple of days when he checks his email account. And I
thought it would be great to get him an "email only" device that was cheap and had full qwerty. And
today I find this device.
I hope this works out for you guys...I just wish the email plan was more like $10.
- Sam De La Garza
Like I said in an earlier post, I think this is a great device for the right market - and the survey questions below do a good job identifying the right market.
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X__ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
You have to remember the target audience, people, maybe this gadget isn't for you, but that doesn't inply that others won't use it. If you already have an e-mail device, then its not for you. If you don't go in Target, its not for you. Chances are if you add comments to the Engadget comments page, its not for you. But believe it or not, there are others that don't fall into these classes.
1_X_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6_X_ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_X_ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9_X_ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Pretty much me :P
Dakota C:\>_
[missingyes AT gmail DOT com]
1___ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_X_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
1_x__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3_x_ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x_ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8_x_ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9_x_ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
This would be the device for me! I used for a while a GoodLink G100 (discontinued now) email only device from work and loved it. This looks like the same idea except that it's available for everybody - no exchange server& goodlink server required.
1_x_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x_ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4___ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_x_ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6_x_ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x_ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
Take this handy quiz. Put a check if you know someone who would agree with these quotes below:
1__x_ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_x__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_x__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_x__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6__x_ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7_x__ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8___ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_x__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
1_X__ "I don't like the cell phone company and the thought of calling them makes me want to puke."
2_X__ "Yes, of course I do e-mail."
3___ "I have a cell phone already and it's on a contract, so maybe I'll consider that new phone you showed me next year some time."
4_X__ "2-year contracts suck. Actually, all contracts suck."
5_X__ "Sure my phone plan *says* it's $70 per month, but it comes out to like $94 after taxes and stuff. And I think that is lame."
6___ "I don't want to carry that burrito-sized thing you keep calling a 'smartphone'."
7___ "I want this thing to be working in like 5 minutes flat and no I don't want you to do it for me (but thanks for offering)."
8_X__ "That sure sounds cool, but I'm not sure I need a telnet client on my phone right now."
9___ "Okay, so you got port forwarding to work on your Airport Express. THAT is why you were late for my birthday dinner?"
10_X__ "Super thin device, cool looking, endless battery life, big screen, ultra simple keyboard, works with my current email account, buy it at Target, no contracts, no hidden fees or other nonsense, no Verizon/AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile to deal with, and only $100....I like it"
The service will cost $19.95 a month!!! I will stick with text messaging for that much. Sell the device for $150 and charge a flat yearly rate of $60 and I would get one. Otherwise, I guess I won't be in direct instant contact with the world.
What a great idea, and you've already got people thinking and talking about the product through some clever marketting techniques, nice work guys!
Keep it up. :)