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Datawind offers up a no-contract mobile broadband netbook with roaming options

Friday 10 July 2009 1 Comment

The idea of a mobile broadband-embedded laptop may not be anything new, but for that a lengthy fixed-term contract is inevitably required. Today, Datawind announced a gadget with a difference – a netbook offering free Internet access in the UK as well as low cost roaming costs in Europe and USA.

Available from Maplin retail stores and Ideal TV home shopping the UbiSurfer is an original device combining WiFi, LAN as well as an embedded wireless data modem and SIM.

Without requiring a contract the Datawind Ubi Surfer offers customers up to 30 hours per month of free usage and a SIM and GPRS service delivered by Vodafone. There's no need to rely on WiFi hotspots nor is a network connection reliant on having a separate USB mobile broadband dongle. There's even an estimated browsing performance of between five to seven seconds per page. Roaming is also a potential with a fixed surfing rate of 5p per minute or alternatively, it's possible to upgrade to an unlimited packge for an additional £5.99 per month.

When it comes to the device's specs the UbiSurfer netbook boasts a full QWERTY keyboard, weighs approximately 700g and can be ordered in either a piano black or rubberised matt finish. Screen-wise, the TFT display measures seven inches and has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. As well as web browsing the UbiSurfer is suitable for XIP Office use, Email, Paint and Games and also includes a calendar, media player and a PDF viewer. With 1GB of storage and an additional 25GB of online storage the netbook features a SD/SDHC card reader, built-in microphone and an earphone jack.

Priced at £159.99 for the device 30 hours per month for internet access in the UK is bundled for free. For the second year an additional basic usage package will set users back a maximum of £29.99. Meanwhile, heavy users are able to opt for an unlimited access for £5.99 a month.


 

 

Comments

  • neutral

    by bix at 21:42 on 27 Feb 2010Report abuse

    I went into maplins to view this product and the salesman was less than complimentary about it! He said it was more trouble than it was worth, and that most units developed faults and had to be returned or refunded. I was somewhat miffed as I had thought the netbook to be good value. He didn't even want to get it out of the cabinet for me to check the feel of the keyboard. I left without purchasing it, but somehow feeling that I had missed out on an affordable option for my limited internet needs

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