We’ve had brushes with the PocketSurfer mobile internet device in the past, but here’s a look at the PocketSurfer 2R – an update to the PocketSurfer 2. If you haven’t heard of the PocketSurfer before, it’s kind of an odd device as it uses a way-slow Vodafone GPRS connection as its data conduit.
Here’s the Gigabyte M528, reported earlier in the year to be available for pre-order at a whopping $1130. Looks like that figure has now been cut almost in half and the device is actually available for order at Expansys for $684.99, although it’s “not a stocked item and will be ordered from the distributor when you place an order.”
As for the M528 itself, it’s kind of like a really powerful Nokia Internet Tablet with built-in 3G. It’s got an 800MHz Menlow processor (now called the Centrino Atom, although that line of processors is changing to just Atom), a custom Linux interface, 512MB RAM, 4.8-inch 800×480 touchscreen, 4GB solid state drive, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3-megapixel autofocus camera, Wi-Fi + HSDPA, GPS, and more.
[via UMPCPortal]
Silly me, I thought these mobile internet devices (MID) based around Intel’s new Atom chipset were supposed to be relatively affordable. This Gigabyte M528 with 4.8-inch screen is up for pre-order on an Australian website (Tegatech.com.au) for around $1130 US. It was originally priced at around $1460, but the price got lowered almost immediately after everyone starting shaking their fists in the air.
Here’s what your money gets you; an 800MHz Atom processor, Linux, 512MB of RAM, 8GB SSD, 4.8-inch touchscreen at 800×480, USB, microSD slot, GPS, SIM card slot (interesting), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Seems a bit steep for $1130, no?
via UMPCPortal
Word on the street is that HTC (makers of phones like the HTC Touch, the PPC-6xxx series devices, and more!) will be releasing Intel-powered MID devices this year. As you’ll recall from Intel’s recent Atom announcement, Mobile Internet Devices will play a key role in its strategy going forward.
