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Datawind bringing UbiSurfer, PocketSurfer3 to the US
Remember Datawind's PocketSurfer and PocketSurfer2 handheld internet devices? Ever see one out in the wild on this side of the pond? Well, Datawind is hoping that it'll have better luck with its new PocketSurfer3 and UbiSurfer devices, which are both now apparently officially on track for a US release. The PocketSurfer3 (pictured above) is a fairly modest update to the PocketSurfer2, with it adding an improved screen and updated UI and, most perhaps importantly, a lower $249 price tag that also includes a year of free cellular usage (up to 30 hours a month). The UbiSurfer, on the other hand, is a more traditional netbook-style device (check it out after the break), although it harkens back a bit to the pre-Atom days with a 7-inch screen, 1GB of storage, 128MB of RAM and an unspecified, presumably low-power processor. The good news, however, is that it includes the same year of free service as the PocketSurfer3, and packs an even lower $199 price tag. No word on a cellular partner involved in all of this, but Datawind says both should be available this October.
DataWind's PocketSurfer2 hits the FCC
We've already had some indication that DataWind's PocketSurfer2 handheld internet device would be hitting the US before too long, and it now looks like that possibility just got a whole lot more inevitable, as the device has finally made its first appearance at the FCC. Somewhat interestingly, the FCC's always handy internal photos prominently show a Rogers SIM card on the inside of the device (check it out after the break), although we're guessing that's simply due to the fact that the lab doing the testing is in Canada and not an indication that Rogers is actually picking up the device. T-Mobile, on the other hand, would seem to be a much safer bet, although we'll just have to wait and see if that pans out.
DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 rumored to be coming to T-Mobile
We haven't heard much about DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 lately, but it looks like MobilePlanet may have gotten a bit more information on a possible release for the device, as its now has the handheld up for pre-order for $310. What's more, the site also says that a T-Mobile data plan is required for the device to function but, unlike the free GPRS for a year plan in the UK (up to 20 hours a month), those in the US will apparently have to drop $30 per month to get their web browsing done on the device. For those yet to be acquainted with the the device, be sure to check out Pocketables at the link below for a couple of better pics of it than we've seen before, and hit up the read link if you want to take a chance with that pre-order.[Via Pocketables]
DataWind set to show off PocketSurfer 2
It's been a while since we last heard anything about DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 handheld, but it looks like the company might finally have something new to say about it, with a preview of the Internet-browsing device now slated for later this month. As you can see above, the invite to the event also included some fresh new pics of the device (such as they are), which could possibly suggest that it's actually nearing a release (or not). Whatever it is DataWind has in store, we should find out soon enough, as the event's set to go down July 12th.[Thanks, Ross R]
DataWind shows off PocketSurfer 2 at 3GSM
We were still hoping some day soon we might get our hands on the vaguely vaporous original 2004 PocketSurfer, but apparently DataWind has finally jumped to the sequel with their new PocketSurfer 2. Demoed live at 3GSM today (sorry folks, they only supplied a render), the new PocketSurfer not only has a slimmer physique, it's also finally gotten its own cellular radio, too. (Aww, isn't that special.) They didn't mention which kind, but apparently DadaWind will hook you up with a free unit if you show up at 3GSM and load a page on your mobile device faster than they can with their PocketSurfer 2. Tomorrow we might just have to take them up on their little offer.
