SlashGear JP
DataWind’s PocketSurfer was one of those ideas that looked great – a clamshell internet access device with inclusive web browsing – but in practice was let down by an appalling screen, slow connection and frustrating “zero profile” RAZR-style keyboard. Now the company is back, and this time they’re bringing along a 7-inch netbook instead; the DataWind UbiSurfer will cost just £159.99 ($260) but come bundled with 30 hours of internet access per month for the first year. Pocket-lint were on-hand for the launch, and grabbed some hands-on photos.
Don’t be expecting high-speed 3G however; in fact don’t even expect EDGE. As with the Pocket Surfer, the UbiSurfer is limited to GPRS via Vodafone’s network and an embedded SIM. There’s also WiFi b/g, while roaming on the GPRS connection will cost £0.05 ($0.08) per minute in Europe and the US. You can also upgrade to unlimited mobile access, at either £5.99 ($9.75) per month or a one-off charge of £59.99 ($98).
After the first year, mobile data access is £29.99 ($49). As for the UbiSurfer hardware itself, as well as the 800 x 480 screen there’s 1GB of storage, 128MB of RAM, three USB 2.0 ports, an SD card reader and built-in microphone and speakers. Software includes DataWind’s own browser, basic office apps, calendar and email, a basic graphics app and some games.
The UbiSurfer seemingly uses DataWind’s existing “web acceleration” system, which basically renders the page you want to view on their remote servers and then delivers an image of it over the GPRS connection. When you click on a part of that image, the server renders the next page and squirts that over. The upside is that loading times are much reduced, handy when you’re on such a slow connection, but the downside is that streaming video is not supported.
The DataWind UbiSurfer should be available in the UK shortly.
4 Responses to “DataWind UbiSurfer: 7-inch netbook with bundled GPRS internet”
mjdinsmore July 10, 2009
Is it just me, or does everyone find these netbooks (and notebooks) that have screens with margins around the edges — bordering on an inch — look really, really poor?
It makes me think of circa 1990 laptops.
NeutralChris Davies July 10, 2009
I agree that it does make them look cheap: you wonder why they didn’t put a bigger screen in. Of course, with this netbook the excuse is that it *is* cheap!
+1henryonisom August 26, 2009
I got this netbook from the local store. I have been using the Vodafone GPRS with no probs. I listened to some tunes, played some youtube videos, downloaded some pics, and it was really smooth. It’s A Great Netbook!!!
+3kennethoki January 4, 2010
I am genuinely glad I bought the Ubisurfer. I’ve been surfing on it regularly for 10-12 days and it has really enhanced my mobile internet experience. I’ve made my train commutes useful again.
NeutralThe web works fast the whole way in from countryside to city center. It works exactly like any other computer but on the internet, it races to sites faster than my now ex-3G dongle.
I also don’t have to worry about the dongle bills any more. My same usage this past week would have cost me tens if not 100 Quid. This is a stunning piece of equipment and I highly recommend it.