TwitterPeek review
By Laura June 
posted Nov 5th 2009 3:19PM
posted Nov 5th 2009 3:19PM
The TwitterPeek works in conjunction with Twitter, and only with Twitter. It's that simple. There's nothing else to figure out or set up, so presumably, the idea is that the device, like the original Peek, is intended for the dumbphone lover who just can't go without a constant stream of Tweets. So, fair enough -- those of us who are more than a little tech savvy may find reason to smile at this, but supposedly this will be attractive to someone. Right?
So how did the TwitterPeek fare when we got our mitts on it? Read on to find out.
The TwitterPeek is identical to the standard Peek we've already seen, so we won't spend a bunch of time going over the hardware -- though we should at least mention that while photographing it for the gallery you see above, we were reminded of how great looking this thing really is. Even after plenty of time with the original, the IDEO-designed device still stands out as an object of lust.
Regardless, setup -- as you might imagine -- is relatively foolproof (basically just a matter of plugging in your Twitter account details). We should note that while we could tweet right away as well as access our list of followers and those we follow, it took about an hour and two restarts to get the TwitterPeek to populate with our feed. It's seems a bit ironic to us that a device which is supposedly geared towards the always-on, non-stop chatter of the Twitterverse would take 45 minutes to show you your friends latest messages. Once we started getting updates, things seemed fine, but there were a few issues that made using the device less than pleasant.
And did we mention the device isn't what we'd describe as snappy... at all? We found the speed at which you move through the very basic UI to be somewhat maddening. It's not unusable, but it's not Twitter-fast, or even SMS-fast. You constantly feel as if you're waiting for the TwitterPeek to catch up to your selections. There's also a noticeable lag time between updates, meaning you don't get Tweets in real time -- another oddly ironic aspect of this single-use handheld.
Most of our concerns with the device are in line with this one -- too many steps or too much lag for far too little of a reward. This is, after all, Twitter we're talking about. Do you really want to carry around an entirely separate device meant to do one thing and one thing alone that still doesn't really work that well? This should be the ultimate Twittering device, but much of its operation feels like an afterthought.
On the plus side, actually tweeting and replying to direct messages on this thing is pretty enjoyable, largely because of the Peek's solid hardware and comfortable keyboard. We'd argue that the pricing seems fair -- $99 for six months of service, or $199 for lifetime use -- but it's hard to call it a value when the TwitterPeek doesn't seem like a very good or well executed idea.
So the question is ultimately whether or not this device is worth the money you'd spend on it. For us -- and the gadget geeks we know -- the answer is easy. There's nothing happening with the TwitterPeek that isn't done as well (but probably better) by any reasonable smartphone (or even most featurephones and dumbphones these days). So who is this thing for? We know it's not us, but it seems like there might be some segment of the market that's after something so single-minded and simple to use. Is it our moms? Our dads? Is it tweens? We don't know for sure... and we're not convinced Peek does either.
What a useless gadget. Every single modern-ish phone is capable of tweeting, and some are exceptionally good at it (Tweetie 2 anyone?).
This device should be the god of tweeting, but it's subpar. This, my friends, is an epic fail.
@Gabe, perhaps it's not the phone, but the cost of phone plans.
This is great for people who can't afford an extra $30 tacked on to their monthly phone bill for texting or data plans that you need for twitter. I've never been able to afford such plans because I'm attending college full time and I am very attracted to the flat $200 cost for free tweets for the lifetime of the device.
Perhaps the ranking system will agree with me?
I couldn't agree more. I have a Peek w/ lifetime svc. Reason: I don't want to pay for a data plan, but I want email on the go. I do have an unlimited text plan and I use it with twitter, but even if I didn't, I couldn't see using 3 devices: 1 for calls, 1 for email and 1 for tweets like that. It's a ridiculous tool for such an unnecessary service.
I bet this review would have gone a lot better if you'd had a cute Asian model holding the new Peek...just saying.
It's counter-productive. We have been seeing the onset of mobile phones that can do near everything, all in one device. Then up comes this Peek brand who are trying to tell us it's better to have one gadget to do every task?
Maybe the people that can't spend $30 a month on a phone plan should stop tweeting and get a job? Sorry if you have a real reason to not pay for it but even in college with no help from mommy and daddy i was able to have plenty of extra money around to go to the bar and whatnot, $30 a month is one night out on the town.
I think you nailed it on the head Jonathan. Unlimited service = awesome, unneeded extra devices = not awesome.
You win this round ranking system....
Good word! I can see a (tiny) reason for carrying the original Peek around. But you still need a regular phone - I don't know about the US, but in my cold and Nordic country several carriers offer a MB for $0.4 without any plan (prepaid) - do you actually know how many mails or tweets you can send or receive for that amount of data?
Secondly this is greedy, if they cared about their customers - they would offer a free software update to the old Peeks.
Also it's so sad that a dedicated Twitter device doesn't do it perfect - no.. Smartphones are the future (and for many they're the present)
Name?
Twitte-
[[F.A.I.L]]
I would have expected this to have been added in to the email Peek device not as a separate device.
Totally agree D. Why not just have a social networking device. Peek could release small little apps for multiple sites. That way when Twitter becomes obsolete your device still has some use.
http://www.lockergnome.com/theoracle/files/2009/04/tweeter-what2.jpg
Everyone is missing the point. It's not like Peek is really trying to sell these. They took their same hardware they already had, put some different code on it, and pushed it out the door. Even if they only sell a thousand of these to a niche market it would probably be worth it for them since there was almost zero cost to develop it. Of course it's not very practical but it's not like they're trying to go mass-market with these.
The ultimate CRAP gadget
Tech regression.
I agree. A dedicated device just for Twittering is absurd. Get a phone.
The whole Peek phenomena makes no sense, anyway. It's just another example of a solution looking for a need.
Who really uses twitter so much that they need a dedicated device?
Ashton Kutcher and ex-Miley Cyrus
Agreed. If you twitter so much that you need a dedicated device, you have a problem.
I still have no idea, what on earth is twitter and how to use that site.
I'm a niche device, and the TwitterPeek was my idea.
Ya, Just like Windows 7 was my idea.
I'm an Engadget, and your comment was my idea.
I'm god, and bringing you into this world was NOT my idea.
I'm an Mjayhunt, and caps lock was my idea.
I'm Ghandi and freedom was my idea!
I'm Steve Jobs and the Cell Phone/Computer/OS/Desktop/MotionSensor/Accellorameter/Mouse/Keyboard/Life and the Letter "I" was my idea
the "I"m a (insert term here) and (insert term here) was my idea" are funny now but lets lot let them turn into "will it blend"...
Can't wait for FacebookPeek, GooglePeek, MySpacePeek. Then of course, I'll need an official Peek carrying bag to hold all my Peek gadgets around. Yup, this makes complete sense.
If they were smart they'd release a PornPeek.
what about InternetPeek? it will only let you visit the first page of every site. :)
don't forget about MSNPeek.
But seriously, even the original one just barely made sense, this one makes no sense at all.
@mcatrage: They could call it Peekshow.
Um how about Wikipeek and Pornpeek.
What they should have down is just offer this as an app for the original peek, and then they could add all sorts of stuff like wikipedia facebook and all the rest.
I would pay 200 bucks for a peek with lifetime service if it did most of the things my pre does and I would drop back down to a dumb phone. You listening peek you hava a chance still here is what I need it to do.
Google
Gmail
Google Calenders
Docs
Exchange
Twitter
Notepad(it's got a keyboard why not)
Rss Feeds
Micro SD
I would pay 300 for lifetime service if it had a decent camera and gps. I know I sound crazy and I love my pre but it would save me 40 bucks a month
As sad as it may sound, people will buy this thing... *sobs*
I honestly feel they will sell no more than 20 of these...literally, 20.What a horrible idea.
The idea is great, but the realization is not. Make it look and operate like TwitterFon Pro on iPhone and you have a winner on your hands with the exact same hardware.
so... who's funding these lame ideas like this and the peek email???
I am.
-Happy Peek customer (who will not be buying TwitterPeek, btw)
I have 1 word for this:
Why?
I have 2: Why not?
I have 3: Why ask why?
I have 4: shut the f*** up.
Wonder where Peek found their investors... and can I get their number? Simple might actually work. Look at the Flip camcorder. However, there is no smart phone equivalent for the Flip's capabilities at this time. I'm afraid there is for the Peek.
Hax this thing. Put some Linux on it... Make sweet sweet love..
If it is too slow for Twitter of all things, it will be too slow for everything. And $200? Who are they kidding? I bought my HTC Magic for 200 €, brand new, without contract (and pay 24 cents per MB... might go for an unlimited data plan though... 8,50 € a month for unlimited data, allowing Skype and VoIP). A bit more expensive, but much, much faster, and infinitely more useful.
@kadajawi Find this deal for me in the US ;-)
Such a silly device.
Awesome let's make a device for each web application.
FacePeek
MyPeekSpace
Peekckr
LivePeek
PeekAbooYahoo
And make sure you buy a bag with a lot of pockets
Dont forget Adultfriendpeeker
I'd buy a youporn peek!
You'll need FreeCreditReportPeek too...
I just preordered my RedtubePeek
Coming next from Peek: a phone that only calls one of your friends. To call someone else you have to get another phone.
What's next - a phone that you can dial but not talk on? How about a new browser that can only access one website? Sounds like the next killer gadget to me!
Why? Tweet will fall as all social-networking sites do. This device will become completely obsolete and useless. Who thinks these are good ideas? Who builds them? Who the hell BUYS them?
Seriously world, wake the f*ck up!
I'm a world, and waking up was my idea.
You really think all networking sites will perish?
Why would you think that?
FAILPEEK
engadgetpeek?
I would argue that this thing, which only does Twitter, probably doesn't even "do" Twitter very well.
What if someone tweets with a Twitpic, or tweets "OMG so funny i ltrly LOL'd http://bit.ly/suckit"?
This looks like a Fisher Price blackberry
Even a regular Peek will do Twitter. Physically it is probably the same as a Peek. What a waste.
It is - it's just a software change. Looks like they just took their Classics and re-flashed and re-labeled them.
And to Mr. Sarva, what are you smoking? I got woken up twice in a single night by my *respectable* smartphone with crummy announcements that you were on Late Night on NBC and then the actual announcement of TwitterPeek.
and the sad thing is they will sell those Mom and Dads that don't understand that a phone can do the same but Little Billy uses Twitter so I will buy it.
@Dakota - yeah, blame the guy behind Peek for you not putting your smartphone on silent. Perhaps he can build a silencerpeek just for you?
When I first heard about this I thought that Peek was adding twitter functionality to their device. That would have made it potentially worthwhile for some people who don't want to get rid of their dumb phone or spend more per month on a data plan, but this is just crazy.
I don't think this is available in USA.
Or else it would be selling like hotcakes at indoor swapmeets along side boost mobile pay as u go.
Unlimited texts and a dumbphone does the same thing. Genius.
HA HA- that is stupid. Should I carry that next to my iPhone with Tweetie in the same pocket? Or maybe it's in the ankle holster as my backup Twitter 'piece'?
For some odd reason I have the urge to lick this phone. It looks like a huge SweeTTart.
I think the gizmodo review said it best "TwitterPeek is so stupid, it makes my brain hurt."
from the article: "IDEO-designed device" what?
the 'lifetime' of the device wont be too long as the company will run out of VC and go down.
PronPeek. Now with a decent screen, that WOULD be something work peeking at.
For the price you could get an ipod touch, or old iphone from ebay and put a twitter client on it, and use it over wifi
Liza Minnelli tweets. It's over.
Don't you guys get it? This is genius! You get a Twitter Peek, then realize that its pretty good at this texting/typing thing and wish it could do more.... You call Peek and ba-boom they upgrade you to the full Peek service for a fee.
The Twit-Peek is just viral hardware.
BTW-my Mother-in-Law had a peek for a year before she got a BB when her VZW contract was up. Now my wife has it and she likes it.
Id buy a Peek if it did both email and tweeting. but two separate Peeks for two tasks is stupid.
What's that smell? Oh yeah, dismal failure. Who thought this this would be a good idea?
dear PEEK , the service needs to be in real time, not delayed time, if your 2 products delivered in real time they would survive, I DESPERATELY WANT A REAL TIME EMAIL ONLY DEVICE THAT WORKS IN REAL TIME!
This is really junk. Why did they not just add twitter to the already sub-par Peek email device to bring it up a notch ?
Don't you stupid endgadget readers get it? life time data plan, you could hax this thang and tether onto a laptop to do light browsing!!! From all the 60+ coments only 2 had some idea, what a shame, stop reading a resourceful blog if you are not going to open your minds.
It simply can't compare to the experience you can get on the iPhone with an app like Twitterrific.
200 will pay for itself overtime, but twitter is not going to be there forever. a lot of social network sites have died down over the years. myspace has already lost its ground from facebook, and fb is losing it from twitter, and there are more! 200 dollars will get me a better cellphone.
actually ant twitter is dropping off faster than facebook.
You are a complete and utter moron if you purchase this device.
well at least this is innovative and not just another iphone clone.
Yawn
I love this type of logic. "Well if you don't want to spend $30 extra dollars a month for a dataplan GETAJOB!". Or "if you don't want to pay $50 a year for xboxlive (less than a trillionth the cost of a cup of coffee a day), you're not a gamer! Stop being so unreasonable a penny pincher!"
As if paying essentially $800 or more dollars per gigabyte of text messages is reasonable.
IMO. The Peek should do cloud computing and render webpages as image streams to your unit. Do all of the processing off of the device and just stream output to it. Calandars, alarms, addressbooks etc etc. That way I could check wikipedia, wolframalpha etc without asking for/begging for smartphone plan assrapery. The device is way more powerful than say a ti-89 yet not at the same time.
The Peek Pronto is a terrific device. I have the lifetime plan. Twitter takes up too much time I could be using to do important stuff. This is going to be the New Coke for Peek. Despite that, the Peek Pronto email device is worth it.
Now if they did a all in one that covered a few usefull things, then i defo be interested.
What do we reckon;
Email
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
...
Any more?
This really is an epic fail..
The latest technological brainfart. EPIC FAIL.
I'd love to buy this, take out the SIM, clone the IMEI to one of my data cards and get free mobile internet for life! I'm a bit shocked that no one has tried this yet, so maybe I will one day when I have $200 to take a risk on.
I'm pretty sure this mother would buy a Peek.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu4zMvE6FH4
Or this person would buy a TweetPeek
tweet! tweet! tweet!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlZcHwsa6CU&NR=1
wow..whatever jew invested his money in this is going to be very angry, and we all know what jews do when they get angry..they charge taxes for everything.
Any word when the IRCPeek will be out?
Incidentally, I guess you could hack this device to be some sort of automated twitter that can be tucked somewhere, let's say you use it to twit your car's info, maybe even location, attach it in the trunk or something (powered by the car battery) and for a one-time fee you have an always on monitoring setup.
I'm just saying it might be something for tweakers and such, the arduino crowd.
.
Maybe I'm just too young, but I don't know anyone my age that uses twitter on the regular...
http://0host.tk