Datawind PocketSurfer2 Launches in UK

Our cousins in England will be able to enjoy mobile internet surfing through the PocketSurfer2 from Datawind, which is an “ultra-thin, portable internet communications device”.  With an interesting business model, Datawind offers no activation or usage charges for the first 12 months (up to 20 hours per month) even though the devices uses GPRS to connect to the internet.  If you think that is a bit measly, you can opt for an additional GBP 5.99 per month plan for unlimited surfing.

Specification wise, the PocketSurfer2 has a 640 x 240 pixel full colour screen, a backlit QWERTY thumboard and integrated mouse pointer. Battery life is five hours of active usage and five days on standby and supports displaying full HTML layout with graphics and java support.

This sounds like a really good concept - more like a thin client as opposed to the do-it-all PDAs that weigh our pockets down.  With an always-on internet connection that is accessible practically anywhere, everything you need (calendar, email, wikipedia) is literally at your fingertips.