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.

However, pages apparently load rather quickly and there’s no service charge for up to 20 hours of usage per month for the first year. After that, you pay £59.99 (about $100) per year for up to 20 hours per month. You can sign up for a £5.99 (about $10) per month unlimited plan as well. So it’s unique in that it’s a data device that uses slow data pipes and charges based on time, not downloads. Whether that’s unique in a good way is another story.

Web pages are served up from PocketSurfer’s own proxy servers, which use “patented data compression technology” that’s probably similar to how the early Sidekick devices worked over T-Mobile’s GPRS network. The PocketSurfer devices are only available in Europe but can be used in any country with a compatible GPRS network for 5 pence (9 cents) per minute. The PocketSurfer 2R costs £159 ($275).

Sorry for the auto-playing video, but it’s got a mind of its own…

[PocketSurfer 2R via Pocket-lint]

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.

HTC’s a good fit for this type of development and it shouldn’t come as a huge shock to anyone that it’s working on these devices. I imagine we’ll see things that look similar to the Nokia N810 (if it had cell service) or the HTC Advantage, albeit with a much stronger, faster processor. The devices in the photo above are from Intel’s MID demo, so that seems to be the general idea.

Most of the first devices out of the gate will be scooped up mainly by early adopters, with a much bigger acceptance rate in 2009 when Intel’s thought to be releasing the second generation of the MID platform. The second generation is supposed to be cheaper, too. Most of the first generation devices should fall in around $600 to $800.

HTC expected to launch MID handsets in 2008 [DigiTimes]