Celio's REDFLY down to $199, still $198 too expensive

For those who've managed to avoid hearing about Celio's REDFLY up until now, we hate that you've been absent for so many laughs. Essentially, this here is a Foleo wannabe that somehow made it into production, and no, you can't even use the thing without your smartphone. Still down for throwing away $199 for a handset companion? Be our guest.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

[ColonelKernel Posted Sep 28th 2008 2:34AM]

That Redfly coming down to $200 makes the Treo Pro more attractive. I have an Eee 701 and I don't like it. Aside from the too-short screen and Picasso-designed keyboard I don't like my data being split up. I make tons of notes on my Centro and Palm's new OS is becoming the very definition of vaporware. Getting tempted. Getting very tempted.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 9th 2008 4:52AM]

I bought one. On purpose. But then the strength of the sterling did aid in that decision...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 8th 2008 7:10AM]

The Redfly is a niche product and useful for certain defined intended purpose. A number of cellphone providers offer unlimited on-device browsing. This device allows subscribers to take full advantage of such data without violating the terms of service or having the service provider charge additional fees for tethering, all the while providing a useful keyboard and much larger screen. As well, since the device does not contain any onboard memory, it means that you can leave it in the car and there is no data loss if it is stolen.

That having been said, the Redfly software needs to be tightly integrated with the phones firmware. Unfortunately it won't work on many phones sold by Canadian carriers (at least not with a Rogers Q9h). So if you're located in Canada, hold off buying a Redfly until you see your phone and carrier listed on Celio's list of compatible phones.

[Nightmare Posted Oct 14th 2008 12:12AM]

I would actually consider getting one of these. I use Palringo IM client since my office internet doesn't allow IM connections and it's a pain IMing on a tiny keyboard. I use a program called MyMobiler to control my phone from my computer which lets me use my desktop/laptop keyboard for my phone. Only problem I run into with that is that I have to use activesync for the connection and that sometimes makes it where I can't use the IM program (desktop internet passthrough sucks). I would love to have a Redfly because I do A LOT on my phone. Why break out the laptop when I just want to send an email? Using the Redfly with an internet browser like Skyfire would be like viewing the same page on a computer.

I'm actually seeing if I can demo a Redfly since there are a lot of people in the company I work for that would actually benefit from having one. This device isn't really meant for someone that occasionally uses their smartphone. It's for the enterprise user that uses their smartphone as a business critical device or the everyday user that uses the phone as much or more than a laptop.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 14th 2008 11:10AM]

i think redfly is interesting innovation in the mobile space
though it focus on niche market, it does not deserve such negative coverage here

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2008 4:18PM]

I bought one. Its the coolest accessory I have ever purchased. Being able to get down to one device and not have to haul around a laptop is a big deal. Also the 8 hour battery life is stellar. On a good day the laptop is only good for a couple of hours. I didn't want to have to plunk down 500-600 for handheld computer especially since my mogul has plenty of power to hand my normal business stuff. It even charges your phone while you use it!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 2nd 2008 3:29PM]

I own one, I've had it for about a month now. I love it. I was using a HTC Advantage x7501, I decided to downsize to the HTC Touch Pro (wich is not currently supported, but I use a beta test driver for WM 6.1 devices),
I purchased this because I missed my 7inch screen on my Advantage. Wich was great for updating info., surfing the web, and replying to emails.
My issue was wanting to utilize my smartphone for the reason I purchased it, to stay "connected". Wasn't looking for an entertainment device or a laptop replacement.
It has replaced my stowaway bluetooth keyboard, with a keyboard & 8inch screen. I leave my phone in my purse and pop this out when I need to.
Its not for everyone, especially those of you looking for an entertainment device or laptop replacement.
I do own a netbook(EeePc), I also own a high powered laptop. *THIS DOES NOT REPLACE EITHER DEVICE*

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 4th 2008 10:21PM]

I saw a commuter friend on the train into Chicago this morning hooking his smartphone up to a redfly terminal. I thought, for 200 bucks I'd investigate it. The most compelling feature for me is the ability to run a desktop terminal remotely, including any application resident on that desktop, but to act as if I were working on that desktop with its applications. The other features that support that compelling feature are (1) carrying less weight around, (2) longer battery life, and (3) perhaps better security of data and ease of access to shared documents and scheduling across a work team. I think the key to success for Redfly is not that it is a laptop (it isn't), or that it is a smartphone (it isn't); it's simply a dumb terminal connected to the internet. The internet is the computer. This product creates a thinner barrier between you and the internet, and makes it easier to use the internet wherever you are.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 13th 2008 10:25PM]

I just got mine today. Im a software developer and many times I need to be available to dial in on weekends/nights/etc. This paired with my ATT Tilt and a Citrix client allows me to log into my office PC from anywhere. Dont have to worry about battery life or having to deal with the hassles of a laptop or tethering fees. I think its great. It is not a laptop/netbook replacement. It definitely makes me more mobile. You could never do citrix on a tiny qvga screen, but on the REDFLY its absolutely usable. Also 200.0 or less is definitely the right price.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 26th 2008 2:34PM]

on the fence about it. I have 3 laptops, 3 desktops, and an htc tilt. I definitely love my tilt better than any of the other devices, because i get more bang for the size than anything else. one great thing about my tilt is I can log into gotomypc and view my desktop - mouse around, find something such as a contact or a number, --- it would be nice to be able to plug my tilt in to more real estate - and have a real keyboard - once in a while when i'm on the road.... nice thing about my tilt that my laptops can't do on their own is i can go on the internet virtually anywhere. and with access to my desktop, it may as well be high speed internet because if i can't do it on my phone, i'll just load gotomypc.

i'd by a used one for $80 right now... only trouble is, there aren't any 'buy it now's on ebay... anyone want to sell me one? see that's the true test, if the device is kept, it must be good enough. I also want a used htc advantage :) say $350?