7 replies to this topic

[PaulOBrien]

Remember the Celio Redfly? It's the Windows Mobile companion device that is kinda like a laptop, but with no internals - it acts as a big screen on your WinMo device. Both myself and podcast pal Chris (Monolithix) are very much looked forward to this one, and we also interviewed the VP of Marketing in a recent podcast.

Anyhow, I have just received a mail to let me know that the Redfly is now available for pre-order, ready to evalute for use in your business.

The mail...

Quote

You’ve seen the vision, now grasp the tool.  Pre-order your REDFLYä Mobile Companion today!

REDFLY extends the capabilities of your Smartphone, with no additional TCO.

Dear friend - you’ve already visited the Celio website, or stopped by the Celio tradeshow booth, to see the future of the smartphone.  Then, you already know about the capabilities, features, and functionality of the REDFLY.

• Wireless screen and keyboard for your Smartphone
  
• Bluetooth, USB, VGA connectivity
  
• Runs directly off your Smartphone; no sync necessary
  
• Compact and lightweight
  
• Boots in seconds
  
• Long 8 hour battery life
  
• Zero data loss if lost or stolen

But what you probably didn’t know is that you can pre-order your REDFLY, today! http://www.getredfly.com

The cost is $499 as expected, plus shipping (a not insignifcant $99 to the UK!)

The small print...

Quote

REDFLY Evaluation/Demo Unit Pre-Order Site
Celio Corp is pleased to offer the REDFLY Mobile Companion directly to enterprise customers for evaluation and mobile solution providers for demonstration. By submitting a pre-order to this site, you agree to be contacted by Celio to qualify the sales opportunity (quantity, smartphone device, line of business software, and timetable for implementation, etc.). This site requires a credit card. Orders will be authorized, but not charged until the product ships. Initial shipments are planned for late April, 2008.

Late April? Wow, that's soon! I really fancy one myself, the 8 hours + battery life really does it for me. Anyone else gonna be putting an order in?

P

[chucky.egg]

Quote

By submitting a pre-order to this site, you agree to be contacted by Celio to qualify the sales opportunity (quantity, smartphone device, line of business software, and timetable for implementation, etc.)

That means us Average Joe's wont get a look in for a while then

[PaulOBrien]

Depends on how many inquiries they get I reckon

P

[awarner]

Is it really worth buying one of these? yet something else to lug about with you may as well just get an Athena instead and have one device?

[chucky.egg]

No, no, no

I like a small device (stop sniggering at the back boy!) like a Touch, but for some things it would be nice/useful to have a bigger screen and keyboard.

I'm not convinced it's worth £250 (+ £50 shipping) though.  I think I'll wait til the price drops to about £150

[pisquee]

Yeah, for that price you could get an Asus EeePC

[Dr Who]

pisquee, on Apr 16 2008, 14:30, said:

Yeah, for that price you could get an Asus EeePC

Same weight as an EEE as well. Could have been a good idea but at that price and that weight whats the point.

[chucky.egg]

It's not intended to be a laptop - it's an extension of your PDA, like a bluetooth keyboard with a screen attached (amongst other advantages, like USB stick access)

One thing I like is that when you disconnect nothing is (supposed to be) left on the Redfly.  So there's no duplication of data, no sync'ing etc.

I really like the idea, but I still don't think it's worth that much to me