The GPRS-based web browser, Pocketsurfer, is, according to Widget.com, just days away from being available and Aving managed to get their happy snappers out at IFA this week to get some images of it in all its backlit glory. Unfortunately they didn’t quite get the specs right and, as far as I know, its does not have Wireless LAN capability. Only GPRS capability.
The network architecture used is pretty sound. One of the most popular mini-browsers, Opera Mini, uses a similar architecture where it sends all traffic through it’s own servers and if…if this device can support advanced web sites (Gmail, Meebo etc) then it might be worth looking into but if it doesn’t support Web2.0-style pages then where’s the value? Writing emails should be fairly efficient. Playing online poker. Forums and RSS reading should be fairly pleasant but its going to be missing all forms of inline media, flash (I suspect – not confirmed), and any capability to use the screen for offline work. Notes, document reading, e-books, videos.
At 180 quid, including 1 years data (40 pounds per year thereafter) maybe it does have a market. Its certainly a cheap way of trying out mobile Internet and could well appeal to a lot of social website and online poker fans. It could make a nice Christmas present too. I’m no expert, but I recon some girlies would go for this. I wonder what Jenn over at Pocketables thinks. Any female readers out there care to comment?
Specs include a 5-hour battery life and a transflective display. More information available at the pocketsurfer microsite.
Via jkkmobile.
