|
|
|
Start new subject | Reply to this subject
|
[1]
|
 mick7 |
Wed, 29/08/07@22:00
|
|
Has anyone any views on these websurfers, click here they seem (to me)impressive, and a free (20 MBs a month), fast, connection.
|
Forum Editor |
Thu, 30/08/07@00:45
|
|
I am currently using a Nokia N800 click here
which I think has the edge over the Datawind in some respects, and costs about the same. The difference is that the Nokia needs a wireless network to be available in order to connect to the internet, but apart from that there are no extra costs.
Having looked at both devices I went for the Nokia, but the Datawind will certainly appeal to many. This is a market sector that will probably be quite active over the next year or so.
|
Forum Editor |
Thu, 30/08/07@00:46
|
|
I forgot to mention that you can read our review of the Datawind if you click here
|
techie4me |
Thu, 30/08/07@15:27
|
|
I need something similar as well.
Mainly to list what I do each day & to add things I need to do later.
Did have a PDA Phone through work but got sick of it breaking so go rid of it.
What’s you opinion of the Nokia then Mr FE?
|
Forum Editor |
Thu, 30/08/07@17:49
|
|
techie4me It's very good. I've increased the file storage capacity to 4 Gigabytes, and I carry work files around on it (converted to PDFs). The email software works perfectly, as does the web browser. I have downloaded a nifty little word processor, so I can take notes using the on-screen keyboard and the built-in stylus - all very easy to use. I have also downloaded some new Skype software from the Nokia site, and that works perfectly too.
It connects to wireless networks extremely rapidly, and detects anything in range within a few seconds.
All in all it's a very useful little device, it slips easily into a shirt pocket and is beautifully made. It feels nice and solid, and looks very good. Battery life is superb. In my opinion it's well worth the money, and is indispensable for those occasions when I don't want to carry my laptop around.
|
techie4me |
Thu, 30/08/07@18:10
|
|
Cheers for that FE.
Have looked at them both now in detail, the price may be the thing that wins in the end, but the Nokia does look good and has a proven track record.
|
mick7 |
Thu, 30/08/07@20:36
|
|
Is it possible to transfer the Datawind screen to, say , a TV. screen, (simmilar as with a camera). I also assume a firewall and antivirus would be needed.
It makes you think, if they can provide a fast internet service for next to nothing, can this same method not be used generally.
|
daconnor |
Tue, 18/09/07@21:23
|
|
I'm wondering if the Datawind PocketSurfer will ever arrive.
Bitsub have now moved the delivery date to late October click here
Widget, who appear to be the retailer for Datawind, had quoted various dates with mid-September the latest. click here on the Buy Now option and you get 'No product Found'.
|
mick7 |
Thu, 20/09/07@22:57
|
|
It is worth having a look at the datawind site and check the prices click here ripoff Britain strikes again.
|
driscos |
Sat, 23/08/08@18:55
|
|
The price did it for me My girl friend is self emplyed and wanted to be able to work from anywhere.
She doesn't earn a fortune, so the Blackberry was not an option.
She went for the pocket surfer beacuse of the large querty keyboard, the lack of monthly charges and the built in IM.
She might use the ability to get files off her laptop in the future.
We found some good info here:
click here
|
Forum Editor |
Sun, 24/08/08@13:09
|
|
My search for the perfect mobile internet device continues. My Nokia N800 is good, in fact it's very good. It looks beautiful, is small enough to slip in a pocket, and the build-quality is superb, but it relies on a wireless connection being available. It can store lots of files, and run a word processor, which is just what I need. It has a nifty email client, and renders web pages perfectly. If it wasn't for that wireless connection requirement it would fit the bill exactly.
My Asus EeePC runs Windows XP and Open Office. It uses a T-Mobile broadband adapter that enables me to access the web and deal with my email anywhere there's a phone signal. The problem is, it's slower than a slow thing on a slow day, and you couldn't have a pocket big enough for it if you tried. Portable it is, but only if you carry it in a case. I pay £15 a month for the broadband connection, but the word 'broadband' is a laugh - I've seen dial-up modems that work faster.
My trusty HP PDA can access the internet wirelessly, is fast, has MS Office applications, and loads of storage. I can use it for email, and it runs a familiar Windows Mobile interface. It looks good and will go in my shirt pocket (just), but there's that wireless internet requirement again.
The DataWind sounds ideal, because it's claimed to be fast, and although it can't store all my files it can remotely access them on my server. All I want is for someone to tell me that it works as well as the makers say it does, and I might take the plunge. Maybe I can persuade them to let me have one on extended trial - say two years? I want to see what happens when the free year of access runs out, and everyone has to start paying - will there be some new killer device by then that will make people drop their DataWind and go elsewhere?
|
Managing ed |
Tue, 26/08/08@17:37
|
|
My name is Matt, and I own a PocketSurfer 2 There. I've said it. Is it the perfect mobile internet device? Er, no. You absolutely can't argue with the price and the internet coverage, but it's slow (after it has taken several ages to boot), video/images don't display properly, and there's no sound. Also, the screen is so slim, albeit letterbox in shape, it's not really practical to use with lots of websites.
It's a cracking little email device (in the UK at least), its software is much better than it was and you can use it in synch with your PC (although it's clunky).
But the biggest problem is this: the build quality is awful. I got mine in October 2007, and I'm on my third chassis. The first one's screen cracked, and my second one just fell to pieces. Model the third is shedding plastic all over my desk as I write.
Datawind has told us that they are soon going to launch an all-new improved PocketSurfer. I'd wait for that, and check the reviews, because right now it's a good concept, with a lot of flaws, but it's let down by build quality.
|
Forum Editor |
Tue, 26/08/08@18:30
|
|
Thanks Matt, that's another drink I owe you at Christmas.
I was poised to flex the plastic on Saturday, and then I read a somewhat less than euphoric review on the web. Your personal experience has clinched it - come back Nokia N800, all is (temporarily)forgiven.
The search continues, and for all you device developers out there, this is what I want:-
Something that is slim and light enough to slip into a jacket pocket.
It must be beautifully built, and have a decent sized high-res screen; none of your pokey little mobile phone screens built for elfin folk.
Fast, always on internet access is a must, and I don't want to pay more than £50 a year for that.
Global roaming, of course - I don't want to be stuck the minute I leave the country.
Email - goes without saying, and I want full POP mailbox access, not webmmail.
File storage - 2Gb onboard, and an SD card slot.
At least one USB port.
5 hours battery use.
Qwerty keyboard, built for men or women who have 3 shredded wheat for breakfast.
Windows Mobile operating system, a reasonable word processor, and Microsoft Outlook. PDF reader of course, and a calculator. Camera not necessary.
That's it, not too much to ask, is it? Oh, and I don't want to pay more than £200 for it - £250 absolute tops.
Build me one of those, and I'll show you a huge market sector that will snatch it our of your hands.
|
karen88888 |
Sat, 13/09/08@17:50
|
|
I've just bought a Pocket Surfer 2 and the surface of the casing cracked and chipped off when I just put it down. I treat things very carefully and was extremely shocked that it couldn't withstand being placed down on a cabinet. On opening it to register it the hinge cracked. I am just so careful with appliances and can't believe how fragile my unit was. On wrapping it to send back to Datawind I can see another small crack in the surface. I've asked for a replacement - I haven't even used it yet and only had it 2 weeks (can't get a signal where I live) - other than to register - so I'm hoping I just had a bad one although I'm not holding out too much hope on this.
|
|
[1]
|
|
Total threads 340969 | Total posts 2243575 | Total users 302499
|
|
Forums > Consumerwatch
|
Back to top
|
