Tin Isles

The article you are reading has moved! It is now available at: http://blog.tinisles.com/2007/06/hand-held-browser/

Here's something I've been trying to convince anyone who'd listen for a while: I think there's a market for a hand-held browser appliance. And judging by some of the products coming out recently someone out there agrees with me.

I'd like a device with a display at least 800 pixels wide, wifi connectivity, and a 'fully-fledged' browser. Something my wife could take into the kitchen to view a recipe. I could sit on the couch a surf the net while I'm watching TV, reply to emails from bed.. How many people buy a PC/Laptop and just browse websites? Most importantly this device would have to be CHEAP - this is competing with Celeron M laptops selling for $AUD800. Throw in a skype client and this device could also become your cordless phone.

What devices are out there that fit the bill?

• Nokia N800 - looks very nice, 800 pixels wide display, Linux based OS with a good following of hackers, I'd prefer a slide out keyboard though: $USD400.
• Sony mylo - 320×240 resolution, sounds a bit too small. But does come out of the box with a skype client: $USD280
• Pepper Pad - $USD699, enough said? Those keys also look they could be comfortable for typing.
• Palm Foleo - announced just last Thursday, touted as a "companion device for all brands of smartphones" - translated from marketingese means "we don't want this device to cannibalise our existing markets": $USD499. (The comments on the Engadget article are pretty amusing: Palm Foleo announced.)
• Intel's MID UMPC / Mobile Internet Device - not a lot of news on this one just yet.
• Asus Eee PC 701 - "supposed to start as low as $USD200". Not bad! Even the Engadget crowd like this one!