We’ve had brushes with the PocketSurfer mobile internet device in the past, but here’s a look at the PocketSurfer 2R – an update to the PocketSurfer 2. If you haven’t heard of the PocketSurfer before, it’s kind of an odd device as it uses a way-slow Vodafone GPRS connection as its data conduit.
However, pages apparently load rather quickly and there’s no service charge for up to 20 hours of usage per month for the first year. After that, you pay £59.99 (about $100) per year for up to 20 hours per month. You can sign up for a £5.99 (about $10) per month unlimited plan as well. So it’s unique in that it’s a data device that uses slow data pipes and charges based on time, not downloads. Whether that’s unique in a good way is another story.
Web pages are served up from PocketSurfer’s own proxy servers, which use “patented data compression technology” that’s probably similar to how the early Sidekick devices worked over T-Mobile’s GPRS network. The PocketSurfer devices are only available in Europe but can be used in any country with a compatible GPRS network for 5 pence (9 cents) per minute. The PocketSurfer 2R costs £159 ($275).
Sorry for the auto-playing video, but it’s got a mind of its own…
http://www.megawhat.tv/swfs/KVPlayer.swf
[PocketSurfer 2R via Pocket-lint]