which web surfer device ?

[modeller]

I want to surf the web , nothing else ,with a mobile device that has a readable screen , say 130mm and finger size keys. I tried a netbook and a dongle but it was useless, difficult connection and very very slow. I tried a Blackberry which worked but was far too small. I've been told that the POCKETSURFER may be the answer but I've read so many negative comments about the quality of the construction that I have my doubts. Unfortunately it's not possible to pay as you go or rent it so there is no way of testing it out without purchasing it outright. Has anyone information about this device.?

[ACtheTROLL]

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's not the netbook that's your problem .... it's the dongle
they're just not reliable in all areas

a 130mm device isn't going to have finger sized keys the ps keyboard looks very iffy and 10 keys +
180 is 8" and thats about as small as you can comfortably go (most are 10"ish).

most websites have a minimum resolution of 800x600
so again 180 is pushing it

[modeller]

Yes you are probably right with regards the dongle. I was using a Vodafone dongle with the netbook . I believe both P.S and the Blackberry also use Vodafone technology but the Blackberry worked and the dongle didn't . P.S claim their product works because the signal is compressed and redirected, but compression alone would not help but redirection if accompanied by amplification might. What do you think ? I would put up with smaller keys but not as small as the Blackberry. I believe the P.S. doesn't have separate keys but uses a membrain.

[modeller]

Thinking about netbooks in general why do they need dongles ? If the Blackberry can access the web successfully in my area without a dongle , why can't the manufacturers that make netbooks/notebooks do the same. The Pocketsurfer seems to be the only one I can find .

[fo3nix]

If wifi will suffice, get an iPod touch.

If you need to browse the web when wifi isn't available, get an iPhone.

They offer the best web browsing experience currently.

[modeller]

Thanks fo3nix I will look into iPhones.

[modeller]

I have now examined the Pocket surfer ( made by Datawind ) in a Maplin store , it was like a toy and the hinge was so poor the display screen was loose and floppy. It was badly displayed, and not working so I couldn't test it . the salesman didn't have a clue he didn't even know it required a battery. However whilst there I picked up a brochure and it contained details of a UBISurfer which is also made by Datawind but which is a proper netbook ( proper keys , with WI-Fi and GPRS ) costing �149.99. It looks quite good on paper ( not in stock at the moment ) but with such a pedigree who can trust it .