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        Windows CE netbook offers free cellular acccess

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Nov 17, 2010 | Comments: 1


        A seven-inch, ARM-based netbook offering U.K. buyers free cellular networking has reportedly been upgraded to a nine-inch version. Datawind's UbiSurfer 9 features an ARM processor, 128MB of RAM, 1GB of flash storage, Wi-Fi, and a 900/1800MHz modem that works on the Vodafone network, according to the PocketLint website.

        DataWind's seven-inch UbiSurfer netbook was first introduced in 2009 with Linux on board, and switched to Windows CE earlier this year. For 160 U.K. pounds (about $255), the device offered a modest specification featuring an ARM processor (model undisclosed), 128MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash storage; but it also included a 900/1800MHz GPRS modem.

        According to DataWind, purchasers of the UbiSurfer received free cellular Internet access (limited to 30 hours per month) for the first year of ownership. They could renew this during the second year for 30 pounds (about $47), or upgrade to unlimited service for slightly higher amounts, the company added.

        DataWind reportedly processes Vodafone's GPRS data communications through its own datacenter. A "patented acceleration technology" involving data compression boosts speeds significantly, allowing web pages to load between five and seven seconds faster than they otherwise would, the company claims.


        DataWind's UbiSurfer 9

        While DataWind itself has not announced an upgrade, the UbiSurfer will be offered later this month in a new version equipped with a nine-inch screen, according to both PocketLint and the website for the U.K. shopping channel Ideal World (which will resell the device). The former's Paul Lamkin writes that the UbiSurfer 9 (above) will feature a nine-inch screen and boot into Windows CE in just ten seconds.

        Neither PocketLint or Ideal World added how many pixels the UbiSurfer 9's screen will now be capable of displaying. Other specifications for the device appear to be identical to those of the earlier UbiSurfer, apart from a larger size of 9.17 x 6.41 x 0.94 inches (233 x 163 x 24mm) and slightly greater weight (1.6 pounds).

        Specifications listed for the UbiSurfer 9 include:

        • Processor -- ARM processor (type undisclosed)
        • Memory -- 128MB RAM
        • Display -- 9-inch TFT display; resolution n/s
        • Storage -- 1GB flash
        • Expansion -- SD slot
        • Networking:
          • WAN -- GPRS 900/1800Mhz
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
        • Other I/O:
          • 2 x USB ports
          • Audio -- microphone; stereo speakers; earphone jack
        • Dimensions -- 9.17 x 6.41 x 0.94 inches (233 x 163 x 24mm)
        • Weight -- 1.6 pounds (730g)
        • Battery -- 3 hours active use; 4 hours standby
        Further information

        More information on the UbiSurfer 9 may be found on PocketLint, here, or on an Ideal World product page for the device, here. The two sources differ on price, PocketLint suggesting that the netbook will sell for 150 pounds (around $238), and Ideal World citing a price of approximately 250 pounds (about $397).

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