IXI Mobile has made good on its
MacArthur-like promise to return to the mobile messaging arena, with the launch of the CT-17 in Germany. As
previously reported, the handheld will be
selling for about $60, with monthly plans, marketed through 1&1 as the Pocket Web service, starting at about $12.
Unlike IXI's
original effort,
the text-centric AT&T Ogo (which
IXI
still markets in some countries), the
CT-17 has broad support for a range of services, including web access and voice features (via an external
headset). Voice and web functions were among the reasons for the original Ogo's failure to catch on (that and the fact
that AT&T sort of
lost interest in it amid
the company's acquisition by Cingular). PocketWeb is being positioned as a lower-cost competitor to products like the
Sidekick and BlackBerry, and with the new features and attractive pricing, the Ogo may just be a go this time
around.
[Thanks, Jerry]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ShureF00t @ Apr 27th 2006 2:29PM
I was quite fond of my OgO, despite a few of its shortcomings such as lacking the voice & web browsing features. If they were to bring this model over here to the US, and the service plans are reasonably priced (say, $20/month for email/text/instant messaging/web), I think I'd be interested in a second OgO.
I love the clamshell form-factor of this device. More handheld devices should implement this design, rather then the gimmicky slide-out.
T-Zones on your Laptop @ Apr 27th 2006 4:42PM
This thing should have the $6 T-Zones service from T-Mobile.
They could use the exposure (and clients) and everyone would be able to surf for just a couple of bucks.
Maybe a $10/month service if you're not a customer.