Peek releases new Pronto email device at $79

The Peek folks didn’t waste any time rolling out the update to their low cost wireless email devices. Word of the new Peek Pronto first appeared online about a week ago.

Today we have the Peek Pronto. Available at $79 in any color that you like — so long as it’s gray.

Before you get too excited about this low cost BlackBerry alternative – consider that it carries a $19 per month email recurring service fee. For that fee you receive – 5 email accounts, push email, unlimited text messaging.

Given that in the USA Peek is running these devices on the T-Mobile data network, it is worth pointing out that BlackBerry devices (specifically the BlackBerry 8900) are currently available for $49 (with new contract and 2 year commitment). The monthly  fee for BlackBerry Internet Service is only $25 (and can be shaved back to $19 with some begging off of the bundled 400 text messages).

The Peek device is not capable of web browsing, has no camera, and cannot play music or movies. The absence of these features may become more important to you the longer that you use the device. I know that my BlackBerry 8900 has become my substitue camera (it includes a 3.2 mp lens that takes decent pictures) as well as mp3 and video player.

On the plus side for Peek is the fact that you won’t have to enter into any contract. You can also pick up their email device for $79 directly from Target – where their older device is still available for $49.

My recommendation is that if you’re looking at using a device for wireless email you should invest in a BlackBerry.

If your primary use of a device would be music or video – buy an iPhone. It’s truly become (almost) a two device mobile race. At least it will be that way until the Palm Pre arrives in the first half of 2009.

via: Engadget