Pocketsurfer 2

[fly258]

I have just ordered one of these http://www.pocketsurfer.co.uk/htm/PocketSurfer 2.htm due for delivery mid August. Seems like cheap, simple, mobile, web access, for use while away in my campervan. What do you think?

[Ethel]

It looks exciting and tempting. Free 20 hours internet per month, or �6 per month unlimited.
No wifi hotspot needed.

Looking for the downside - but too new for reviews. You MUST tell us what you think before I buy one.

[wideboy]

Hadn't heard of this until now. Looks a good idea but might depend on coverage (as with mobile phones). T3 seem to be excited by it:-

http://www.t3.co.uk/news/247/communications/ot her/pocketsurfer_2_ready_to_pounce

Let us know how it performs when you get it.

[fly258]

I'll certainly let you know what its like once I get it.
It uses GPRS so it should work anywhere a mobile works.
Watch this space..........some time mid August.

[fly258]

Finally received this yesterday, only 6 weeks overdue and been playing with it since.
The build quality is somewhat poor, with a chromed plastic hinge that hasn't had the sharp edges trimmed off.
It's called a Pocketsurfer but i wouldn't want to keep it in my pocket it's a bit too flimsy for that.
The display quality is rather poor with very dull colours and tiny font, although it has got a x2 magnifier.
Navigation is done using the built in mouse which is a tad on the slow side.
The actual surfing side of it is rather good, just type "answerbank" (no need for www or .com/.co.uk) press "insert text" and hit go. 7 seconds later this site is loaded...anywhere in the country and for free !!
So
Build quality........................................5/10
Ease of use........................................5/10
Concept..............................................10/10
What it says on the tin"
i e cheap mobile web access........9/10

Can't wait for the pocketsurfer 3 or a similar thing made by Nokia, Apple, etc etc.
Customer service was good, both email and phone.

[Ethel]

Excellent review. A friend of mine received his yesterday also.

I am waiting to hear his opinion. Like the idea, need more convincing before I buy.

[fly258]

Is your friend on here? I wouldn't mind a chat with him/her to swap tips n tricks etc

[Ethel]

No, but I could point him your way

[fly258]

yes please

[Gauntlet]

OK... here I am, at Ethel's request. My Pocketsurfer arrived yesterday. Registration seemed easy and I was happy to wait overnight for activation while the device charged. This morning, however, I was unable to get access because the server was busy. A quick call to the support desk sorted it all out... they had some temporary glitch. Since then I have been completely happy with the product and the service. I agree with all the informed comments made here by others. The product could be better but it seems fair for the price. It takes a while to get used to the feel of the keyboard, orthogonal mouse movement is not ideal, and the screen is a little dull but I am getting fast response even on obscure websites that I know to get very few hits.

[fly258]

Many thanks for that Gauntlet, your summery more or less sums up my thoughts / experience of it so far.

[Gauntlet]

After using it 'in the wild' I am now less enthusiastic although I still see this as a fine tool. The rendering of some of the sites that I use is inadequate. For example, the login link at FridayCities is invisible. Also, the screen is still rather a small window and I find I still need to use the mobile-formatted sites that I favoured with my iPaq Pocket PC. I don't regret the purchase but I can see huge room for improvement.

[fly258]

I tend to agree with you Gauntlet, I find it too small to use easily. Probably my advanced years. If the screen and keyboard were twice the size it would have been much better (for me) but it would be too big to be a POCKETsurfer. The build quality leaves a lot to be desired and although the internet access is very quick (faster than a dial up modem, from what I remember), the device itself seems very slow at times.