Datawind launches PocketSurfer, may set up producing base in Indi

New Delhi, May 30 (UNI) Canada-based Datawind group today launched wireless 'PocketSurfer', which enables to seek access to the web anywhere, and said it may even set up a manufacturing facility in India because of its large sophisticated market.

Proven as the best internet experience on a GPRS network, the Bluetooth mobile web access device 'PocketSurfer' provides desktop quality web experience to consumers in their palm without connecting to a cellular phone or plugging into a landline modem.

''Users now have the power to access the web anywhere and anytime, using the technology they desired based on cost and device needs. PocketSurfer offers a desktop-quality web experience in a device small enough for a pocket or purse,'' said Datawind Net Access Corporation Vice President Derek Kopke, while launching the product in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Datawind Corporation India Head Harjinder Singh said, ''Unlike mobile devices such as PDAs and cell phones, the PocketSurfer displays fully functional Web pages complete with images, scrips, colours and plug-ins.'' The PocketSurfer delivers real HTML with full graphics, java-scrips and other modern web functionality for more than eight billion pages of content through its VGA-width, 640 pixel LCD screen. It downloads web pages 10 to 30 times faster than with typical Wireless Access Protocol (WAP)-enabled cell phones and PDAs, Mr Singh said.

The 170 grams portable PocketSurfer at just 6''x 3'' and less than 9/16'' thick is priced at Rs 9999 with 4-6 hours battery-back up.

The product will be currently available at more than 100 dealers network in North India with complete after sales back up. Soon, the network will spread to other parts of the country.

Mr Singh told UNI that if the Indian Government extends some help the group may even set up a manufacturing facility for the PocketSurfer in future in India besides it has a 100-million-dollar project to manufacture an affordable device which can convert a TV to a monitor and a mobile phone to a modem costing less than 10 dollars.

The company has filed a total of 110 patents worldwide of which 78 are at various stages of approval.

The 80-million-dollar Datawind Corporation was floated by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Montreal, Canada with workforce of 250 people. It also has a Research and Development facility in Montreal.

UNI BBS CS VC1705