Peek email-only handheld gets reviewed

For some reason, we're quite taken with the Peek email-only handheld, and Gadling's followup review of the love-it-or-hate-it device mostly reinforces that positive impression. The squared-off, Ideo-designed unit did its one task admirably well, sending and receiving emails using T-Mobile's network with only slight delay, and the OS is minimal and easy to use. Sure, at $99 and $20/mo it's still way too expensive for the typical gadget nerd who's already packing a phone data plan and maybe a data card as well, but if you're trying to keep things on the prepaid tip or looking to get a Luddite friend or relative on the mobile email bandwagon, the Peek is certainly worth a second, uh, peek.

[XenoX101 @ Sep 3rd 2008 6:53AM]

I knew you guys would have a change of heart, it's a very niche product, but in being so it sets itself apart from your typical mobile phone or pda.

[amol @ Sep 3rd 2008 12:41PM]

Dear Engadget, you got pwned.

-Amol
Peek

[Dakota (.Mac) @ Sep 3rd 2008 3:16PM]

Amol, I'm assuming by "pwned" you mean "lied about the contest" you were holding in the contests?

Considering I've tried emailing you about the contest before (and about maybe some info on the hardware behind it) and gotten no response, I'm probably assuming so.

[amol @ Sep 3rd 2008 4:22PM]

Dakota -- you and the other entrants will get an email soon. We are giving away like 2 dozen devices...

[amol @ Sep 3rd 2008 4:26PM]

Tech specs by the way, to the interested:

OS: Peekux
CPU: CPU is an embedded 104Mhz ARM7 that is part of the Texas Instrument Locosto chipset
Bands: US Triband GPRS (800, 1800, and 1900 Mhz) GPRS is the Packet Data standard for GSM. We don't use the pure GSM because we don't make voice calls or use circuit-switched data
Data: GPRS is the Packet Data standard for GSM. We don't use the pure GSM because we don't make voice calls or use circuit-switched data
Memory: 8MB of user memory (which is a lot of email!)
Display: 2.5 inches ( 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA), 65k colors)
Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.7 x 0.4 in (102 x 68 x 10mm)
Weight: 3.8 ounces (109 gm)
Battery Life: 4-5 days under typical usage

[Dakota (.Mac) @ Sep 3rd 2008 4:47PM]

Sorry.
I'm a bit impatient at times >_>

[j.d.ripper @ Sep 3rd 2008 7:11AM]

who will buy this and why ?

You can have all that and more in a device about the same size.
Most of us already carry some sort of cell/mobile phone with data included and thus email access and more ...

[fred @ Sep 3rd 2008 8:19AM]

So the whole 'cost" thing totally blew right over your head, right?

[THJ @ Sep 3rd 2008 8:38AM]

My wife. I couldn't get her to give up her crappy sprint flip phone for a slightly used iPhone (granted, she breaks about 3-4 phones a year, so I can't blame her). With this though, I could get her a dedicated email device that doesn't incur the type of monthly fee that a Treo/BB would incur.

If she breaks it, no biggie. 100$ out of pocket vs 200-400$ and a contract.

Having it separate from her phone means that she can leave it when she goes out with her friends and still have her phone.

[j.d.ripper @ Sep 3rd 2008 10:15AM]

@fred
I don't live in the US of A.
I live in old Europe, so no, the cost isn't that attractive compared to what I pay now.

[farfisa @ Sep 3rd 2008 10:23AM]

I'm guessing "not you."

[Mile @ Sep 3rd 2008 7:24AM]

Next they'll be selling cell phones that can only make and receive phone calls! Where will it end?

[typolad @ Sep 3rd 2008 7:28AM]

Actually, this may be the perfect device for my parents. They want e-mail on the go, but don't want to take a laptop when they travel. The data plan with their wireless carrier is insane, and they don't need the web anyway.

This would perfect for them. Good price point, good form factor, and seems to do it's one thing very well.

I think that's who will buy it and why.

[Imran @ Sep 3rd 2008 7:28AM]

Hm, kinda reminds me of the Sony Ericsson W950.

[Cybergypsy @ Sep 3rd 2008 7:41AM]

Stick with my iPod touch for mail, it's so Sexy!

[andreas @ Sep 3rd 2008 8:04AM]

omg.

[cwk @ Sep 3rd 2008 8:31AM]

I move that all comments intended as sarcastic be end tagged with (sic).

Not that it would've saved this one from being low ranked.

[silverblackvoid @ Sep 3rd 2008 12:40PM]

you can stick your ipod in other places too...

[Eric @ Sep 3rd 2008 8:26AM]

There's a reason RIM ultimately decided to add mobile phone capabilities to the BlackBerry.

[JP @ Sep 3rd 2008 10:58AM]

This is almost perfect? Is there a plan out there for $20 a month for unlimited text only on a phone. It would be great to have a Used I phone with unlimited Text only and no cellphone service. I'm sick of these expensive plans. Who talks on the phone anyways. My wifes plan is the cheapest she can get with sprint and her bill is like $60 a month out the door. The ridiculous if you ask me. I have a phone from work so I don't have a bill. If I get fired no way in hell I'm getting another cellphone bill! I'd like a used Iphone I don't care if I have to pay $400 for it. If it has GPS, Movies, Songs, E-mail and Text I'm in and 911 in case of emergencies. Almost like a Nokia 810, but with ability to text with cellphone coverage and dial 911 in emergencies(which any phone can do from what I've hear. )

Maybe an family plan is the best. ($10 bucks extra and $10 bucks for texting) I've also heard of Hearing impaired plans??? Are these our for the Iphone?

[JerryA @ Sep 3rd 2008 4:54PM]

$60 on Sprint is the lowest voice plan at ~$30, unlimited 3g data for $15 and then another $15 thrown in for a text package and taxes. I have a similar plan and considering that $60 a month gets me all the voice I ever use (since I am at work during weekdays I don't talk on the phone much. Mostly it gets used during nights or weekends anyway), unlimited email, web browsing, streaming radio, GPS, IM, and whatever texts I feel like using. Frankly, compared to the price of a land line and home ISP, it's pretty comparable and it's all portable, unlike a landline/DSL which I have to use in one place. I think it's a pretty decent deal compared to what you pay for unlimited data on other carriers who may or may not even have decent 3G service in your area.

[Patrick Austin @ Sep 3rd 2008 9:34AM]

The head honcho of our 17,000 employee organization is in his 60's and can't stand his cramped and somewhat-confusing-to-a-technophobe blackberry. This thing would be totally perfect for him. Sometimes you want a nice screwdriver rather than a Leatherman.

[Marcos @ Sep 3rd 2008 9:44AM]

This would be a hit if the monthly fee was $5.99 a month or so.

[Jon Acheson @ Sep 3rd 2008 10:14AM]

Seriously. I would pick one up for my parents tomorrow, as they really only want email, and live in an area with decent cell coverage, but poor Internet options (expensive cable modem or awful dialup only).

[j.d.ripper @ Sep 3rd 2008 10:16AM]

For that price I'd be interested

[B @ Sep 3rd 2008 10:12AM]

Am I missing something? A sidekick would cost a little more, but you can get unlimited internet, e-mail, and texts for $30/month. Are you telling me that e-mail is worth $20/month? It's just glorified texts, from a handheld device...

[Sporkinum @ Sep 3rd 2008 12:07PM]

I'm far from being a luddite, and have been using e-mail for 20 years, but I really don't want to be in touch all the time. The only reason I carry a cell phone, is because I have to for work. I haven't seen a cell phone plan that fits me yet. (prepaid that doesn't need periodic updates of time or else it expires) I certainly don't see people who don't use cell phones wanting something like this.

[Avy001 @ Sep 3rd 2008 12:18PM]

the owner of peek is actually building a property in L.i.C NY right now, i hope this goes belly up so i can get a good deal on his real estate...lol

[amol @ Sep 5th 2008 1:02PM]

I have a bridge to sell you if you are interested

[chefgon_ign @ Sep 3rd 2008 12:54PM]

I have no use for an email-only device, but something about that design makes me want it anyway. It looks so plain, but in the best way possible.

[max @ Sep 3rd 2008 4:31PM]

This device is very good for elderly people who get confused with mobile phones. Just push the button read and type email and you are done. Unlimited emails for $20 is not bad idea, its better then going for $30+ data plans on phones.