Brighthand's First Impressions of the PocketSurfer

Ed Hardy · 04-07-2004, 11:08 AM

The PocketSurfer isn't a handheld or a smart phone; instead, it's an accessory for smart phones that brings a much improved web browsing experience.

Read more at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Po...ite=SmartPhone

Scott R · 04-07-2004, 11:25 AM

Not crazy about the idea of the monthly service fee, but since it's proxy-based, I think that's reasonable. If no one else steps up to the plate with an all-in-one PDA with a good thumb keyboard, I could definitely see myself getting one of these. Proxy-based method means that things won't be as secure, so I'm not sure how corporations would feel about their employees using these.

The close-up photo certainly indicates that it's designed for thumb-typing. So, Ed, how did the keyboard feel? And is it safe to assume that the screen stays open securely while you're holding it in your hands and typing?

Scott

Ed Hardy · 04-07-2004, 12:12 PM

As this is a preliminary review, I only had a chance to use the keyboard briefly, which isn't enough time to form a strong opinion of it. Hopefully CellStar will loan me a review unit.

Sorry about using stock photos of this device. I have to get a new camera. All the pictures I took of the PocketSurfer came out fuzzy.

Mike Cane · 04-07-2004, 12:59 PM

I can't tell from that photo...

1) Is that a membrane or a real keyboard?

2) Are the keys plastic or rubber?

3) Any tactile sense to them?

Nate · 04-07-2004, 01:17 PM

Great -- just what I need. A device that costs $320 the first year and $120 every year after that. On top of my cell data fees. And what am I paying a subscription cost for? The ability to get pop-ups on my handheld, and carry yet another device.

Stupid product, stupid pricing system. Subscription pricing doesn't work with what is essentially a hardware tool. And as far as the product goes, for that price there's few people who are going to be duped into buying it instead of a much fuller-featured PPC like the iPaq 1940.

Scott R · 04-07-2004, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike Cane
I can't tell from that photo...

1) Is that a membrane or a real keyboard?

2) Are the keys plastic or rubber?

3) Any tactile sense to them?

If you click on the image inside the review it will launch a larger version of that picture. The keys look rubber and appear optimized for thumb-typing.

Scott

Scott R · 04-07-2004, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nate
Stupid product, stupid pricing system. Subscription pricing doesn't work with what is essentially a hardware tool. And as far as the product goes, for that price there's few people who are going to be duped into buying it instead of a much fuller-featured PPC like the iPaq 1940.

It's a niche product, sure. But I do disagree with your comments about charging monthly for it. $10/month may be too much, but because this is a proxy-based service, you'd be using their servers, so they need to have recurring revenue. I will say that if they're smart they'll offer some value-added services such as an email account, and other content optimized for this device.

Scott

Ed Hardy · 04-07-2004, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nate
And as far as the product goes, for that price there's few people who are going to be duped into buying it instead of a much fuller-featured PPC like the iPaq 1940.

You can break people into two groups. One wants devices that do everything. They want as much functionality as possible, and are willing to put up up with a great deal of complexity to get it. Not surprisingly, these tend to be high-end handheld owners. The other group wants things simple. They prefer devices that do one thing and do it well. That's the group that the PocketSurfer is targetd at.

BTW, as an h1940 user, I can tell you its web browsing capabilities are greatly increased by using ThunderHawk, which costs $5.95 per month or $49.95 per year.

rob · 04-07-2004, 03:20 PM

Not sure what to make of this thing. The only thing I can remotely compare it to is a Sidekick, but at least with the Sidekick, the cell connection is included.

I don't see it catching on, since it's just one more thing to carry around. It doesn't replace anything. You still need a cell phone, it doesn't have PDA functions. Doesn't even play games.

Someone will buy it though, just not me.

imported_tmarks11 · 04-07-2004, 04:00 PM

So now I am going to carry around three devices? A cell phone, a PDA, AND a pocket browser?

I could see this being populer if it was a cell phone/bowser with no PDA functions. The need to get a seperate blue tooth enabled phone (of which there are so many good choices now in america... NOT!), and pay for data rates for the phone AND subscription fee for this web browser is a bit much to take.

I wouldn't recommend investing in this companies IPO.