PocketSurfer2R unboxed and hands on

Browsing the internet on the move can be as fast as broadband these days thanks to HSDPA, but there’s no solving the skinny screen size. On your phone, at least: you could always pick up a palmtop PocketSurfer, and we’ve just got our hands on the latest one, the PocketSurfer 2R, to see how it stacks up.

Specs wise, not much has change from the original model, except for one handy touch: Datawind’s ditched the D-pad, replacing it with a tiny trackpad for easy scrolling. The GPS connection loads everything fast, from BBC News to your favourite email client, but the killer feature’s the cost. Just £200 up front will get you the handset, and 20 hours of internet browsing per month for a whole year. Expect it in stores very soon, but in the meantime, check out our unboxing below

Pay for the box, and that’s all you pay for a whole year.

Opening it up reveals a carry case and a mains adaptor along with the Surfer itself. Battery life is around four hours on the trot.

The Surfer’s not too heavy in the hands, but how does it handle the net?

We’ve tested it out and about and it certainly works smoothly. The screen is bright at any angle, although the lack of sound is a shame.

The trackpad is a vast improvement on the D-pad, and while the double tap for a click isn’t working well at the moment, Datawind says it’s looking to fix it in the next batches from the Warehouse.

Top talents

Widescreen web viewing
It’s almost desktop surfing, but in your palm.

GPS-a-go-go
GPS connectivity means it roars past crusty old WAP, wherever you are.

All-you-can-eat
A one-off cost gets you 20 hours a month, while an extra £60 month gives you unlimited access, for life.

Going up against
PocketSurfer2 – It’s out now, but the D-pad will slow you down something.

HP iPAQ 214 – A turbo-powered Palm Pilot.

Nokia N810 – A lil’ tablet PC packing N Series power.

Thinking of moving from mobile to PocketSurfer? Chat about all the latest palmtops on the PriceRunner forum.

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