Peek issues call for developers, yearns to build Linux-infused model

Peek always has been a company for the people, with its suits sitting down late last year to listen intently to input from users regarding hacks and tweaks. Now, the outfit's looking for a bona fide Linux guru, someone who could get Linux running on the Peek's ARM7 processor and look suave doing it. The kicker? Should you succeed (and impress), you could score a "mini-consulting gig" with the top brass at Peek, and your work could one day revolutionize the fabled email-only handheld. Seriously, there's nothing but fear and debilitating hesitation stopping you, so once you're over that, hit the read link and get to work.

[Via SlashGear]

[bartoron @ Jul 9th 2009 8:00AM]

The entire concept behind the Peek just doesn't make sense. If someone if so tech-addicted that they have to be able to read their e-mails wherever they are, they're already going to own a BlackBerry or an iPhone.

[johnsushant1 @ Jul 9th 2009 8:12AM]

Peek is a cost effective solution unlike Blackberry and iPhone.

[Matt @ Jul 9th 2009 8:57AM]

@johnsushant1

Lower price != more cost effective.

[telepheedian @ Jul 9th 2009 10:19AM]

I just realized how expensive this thing is. Turns out, T-mobile has a data plan for the Shadow that offers unlimited access, including tethering, for $10 a month. Even if it's EDGE, it's still better than only Email, and costs half of the monthly plan for this thing, although there is a contract. You also have to pay for Voice service, but chances are, you'll be carrying a cell phone around when you use this thing anyway.

[Charlie @ Jul 9th 2009 11:40AM]

@telepheedian - got a link for that plan? Possible to get it sans voice?

[Will @ Jul 9th 2009 2:39PM]

My cell phone plan currently is around $10 because of the family plan I am on. Owning a Peak along with my current plan would be cheaper than getting a $70 iphone plan. What the going rate for a data plan in the US? At least $40, right?

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 9th 2009 8:05AM]

This is one of those things I'd really like to want, but just cannot justify on any grounds. (coffee or otherwise)

[Etrigan @ Jul 9th 2009 8:51AM]

give me a free one and i'll do it

[cjstuff @ Jul 9th 2009 1:26PM]

Peeks are down to $15 at most Targets and being closed out at $7 in a few. That's pretty close to free.

[avis @ Jul 9th 2009 8:55AM]

me too, ship me a unlocked device,
Peek should be promoted as IM device with all social sites' widgets and target kids.

[Chrismoo @ Jul 9th 2009 9:41AM]

The device is WIFI only isn't it so it has limited appeal to real messagers/emailers. That is why it is cheap - no contracts or airtime to worry about.

Limited connectivity = limited functionality/interest in the device.

Chris
http://helpitcrashedagain.com

[asbestos @ Jul 9th 2009 9:56AM]

Time for a new abbreviation.... RATFPBC

Read about the F*&%cking product before commenting.

I only posted this to save you the embarrassment of saying in public that it is WIFI only. Please don't take it personal, I'm here to help.

I do not own a peek so keep the fanboy comments to yourself :)

[cjstuff @ Jul 9th 2009 1:13PM]

Dude, do you even know what a Peek is? It's a $!@#!!! cellular device using T-Mobile bandwidth. Always-on e-mail. Doesn't use (or have functionality) for a wifi connection. AT $16.67/month if you prepay for 3 months and $15/month if you prepay for a year, it's a lot cheaper than virtually all the smartphone data plans I've seen to date. That may change this year, but I haven't seen it yet.

[Michael Gillen @ Jul 9th 2009 9:53AM]

@chrismoo, nah the peek runs off a MVNO piggy backing on one of the major carriers.

[Spinfusor @ Jul 9th 2009 10:29AM]

Peek uses T-Mobile.

[Hackettman @ Jul 9th 2009 10:26AM]

Who knew that such a niche device can still make some news..... If they manage to Linux this piece of tech I might have to pick one up.

[ecomm1 @ Jul 9th 2009 10:54AM]

The peek is a fantastic device that gives you unlimited email and texting for $15.00 per month. It runs on the T-Mobile GSM network. There are no contracts, no credit checks, nothing nasty. Just pure simple communication. I love mine ! It is a fantastic little device. Read about it at: www.getpeek.com

I carry a tiny flip phone that actually fits to my ear not like some slab or brick like many smart phones. I use Virgin Mobile for calling at only $49 for unlimited calling and I use the peek for all my email and texting. A great combination IMHO.

[L @ Jul 9th 2009 12:32PM]

And, did you receive your $0.65 for this nice little advertisement yet?

[nobody @ Jul 9th 2009 12:41PM]

WTF is a peek....

[silverblackvoid @ Jul 9th 2009 1:42PM]

What the fuck is 'WTF'???

[keithwwalker @ Jul 9th 2009 3:11PM]

It would be nice if they do their own god damned development.
I guess this is sort of an admission that PEEK email alone doesn't cut the mustard. PEEK email, with pda functionality would justifiy the cost.

[ananimus3 @ Jul 10th 2009 1:44AM]

...would justify the cost and also make this device a BlackBerry.

[le Chen @ Jul 9th 2009 3:25PM]

this things is still not dead yet? holy shit....

[the4thheat @ Jul 13th 2009 2:20AM]

It's gotta be pretty close to dead when you're begging people to help port linux for you instead of just going ahead and doing it by...actually hiring someone.

[john @ Jul 13th 2009 12:05PM]

A peek with GPRS/EDGE, wifi, a dpad between the screen and keyboard, and Mer (the open version of Nokia's Maemo) would be quite cool. But, that requires more than just a Mer port. It requires a hardware re-design.

Still, they should talk to the Mer folks.