Capitalizing on the less-is-more model, Peek has introduced its latest email-only mobile device, the Peek Pronto. Coming in at just under $80, the Pronto features push e-mail, SMS capability, Exchange support, and access to five different e-mail accounts. You can also view PDFs, Microsoft Word documents, images, and search your e-mail. The Pronto comes with an unlimited data plan for $19.95 per month, and Peek says the Pronto is 50 percent faster than its predecessor.
The original Peek device gained popularity for delivering a basic e-mail service and nothing else. The Pronto builds on that concept by improving its e-mail experience while not expanding the device’s capabilities beyond email. It’s interesting that Peek is focused on delivering a no-frills e-mail device in an era when most tech companies are trying to cram as many functions as possible into one device.
Given the wide range of capabilities on today’s smartphones and netbooks the Pronto seems a little primitive; however, in these uncertain economic times a moderately priced device that gets the job done could attract a strong following. “Peek Pronto gives you…great value and [that] is exactly what folks are looking for during these challenging economic times,” Peek’s CEO Amol Sarva said in a statement.
The Pronto has 8 MB of user storage, comes in charcoal gray only, weighs less than 4 ounces, and has 4 to 5 days of battery life under normal usage, according to Peek. If you want to get your hands on the Pronto you can get it online at Amazon.com starting Wednesday, and the Peek will be available at Radio Shack and www.GetPeek.com in April.