Product Features

Netbooks have increased in popularity in recent months due to their portability and functionality: combining the qualities of a palmtop and laptop. This netbook also comes with Vodafone allowing you to surf the web anywhere with Vodafone coverage. It also has much of the functionality you would want from a laptop – a great product for those who surf and work on the move.

The lastest UBIsoft patch and installation can be found here http://update.datawind-s.com/

• A perfect travel companion be truly mobile with one year of free web access included (30 hours usage per month) utilising embedded SIM
• Also includes WiFi for unlimited internet within hot-spot range
• Ideal for web surfing, sending emails, word processing and spreadsheets
• DataWind has teamed up with Vodafone to deliver fast mobile internet access on GPRS at 5 to 7 seconds per page, anywhere there is Vodafone network coverage
• 30 hours/month in the UK for 1st year on DataWind Browser across Wide Area Network is included in the cost of the device
• Unlimited usage is only 5.99 after 30 hours each month and the annual fee is only 29.99 for a full year of 30 hours/month after the first year
• 7-inch TFT widescreen screen and stylish black casing
• 800 x 480 pixels (WVGA)
• Samsumg Arm9 -400Mhz processor
• 128MB memory
• 1GB SSD (solid state disk) shock proof storage
• Online storage of 50GB
• GPRS 900Mhz, 1800 Mhz with Embedded SIM (5 to 7 seconds per page)
• Benefits from Quad Band GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
• Wireless LAN WiFi IEEE 802.11
• Easy to use Linux operating system
• DataWind GPRS Web Browser, Firefox browser
• Datawind GPRS web browser has full graphic functionality with the ability to load web pages within 7 seconds
• Applications: Calendar, Media Player, Xip Office (Word processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation), PDF Viewer, Email, Paint, Games
• Touch Pad Mouse with Dual Buttons
• Expand the storage with USB or SD Flash Memory
• SD / SDHC Card reader
• 10 BaseT Ethernet port
• 3 x USB 2.0 ports
• Microphone input jack and stereo speakers
• Stereo sound earphone jack
• Lithium Polymer or external DC adaptor
• Approximate working time: 3 hours
• Weight: 700 g
• Dimensions: 222(l) x 165(w) x 29.5(h) mm
• 12 month warranty
• Not for use in the Repulic of Ireland

Netbooks have increased in popularity in recent months due to their portability and functionality: combining the qualities of a palmtop and laptop. This netbook also comes with Vodafone allowing you to surf the web anywhere with Vodafone coverage. The module and usage is built in, so you can be on the Internet right out of the box, without any special set-up or configuration. A year of mobile internet access at 30 hours per month is included in the cost on the Datawind browser. Also includes WiFi for unlimited surfing within Hotspot range. It also has much of the functionality you would want from a laptop – a great product for those who surf and work on the move. Updates and improvements can be downloaded from http://update.datawind-s.com/

Technical Specification

Specifications
Model Name	UBISURFER
Free Mobile Internet	30 hours/month in the UK for 1st year on DataWind Browser across Wide Area Network
Display	7" TFT - Widescreen display
	800 x 480 pixels (WVGA)
Processor Type	Samsumg Arm9 - 400Mhz
Memory	128MB Ram; 1GB Flash
	Online: 50GB
Networking	GPRS 900Mhz, 1800 Mhz with Embedded SIM
	Wireless LAN WiFi IEEE 802.11
	Ethernet Port 10BaseT
Audio (Offline)	Microphone input jack and dual speaker system
	Stereo Sound Earphone Jack
Control	Touch Mouse Pad - Dual Button
	Keyboard: Standard 80 key
Software	Operating System: Linux
	Primary Application: DataWind Web Browser
	Offline Applications: Calendar, Media Player, Xip Office (Word processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation), PDF Viewer, Email, Paint, Games
Battery & Power	Lithium Polymer or external 9Vdc 2A adapter
	Approximate working time: 3 hours
Ports/Sockets	Push-Push SD card socket
	3xUSB / 1xEarphone / 1xMicrophone / 1xEthernet
Product Dimensions	Weight: 700 g
	L x W x D: 222x165x29.5 mm
Service and Support	1 year warranty
RRP	159
Monthly Free Usage	30 hours
Roaming in Europe & USA	5 pence per minute
Monthly Unlimited	5.99
2nd year subscription	29.99
Life time Unlimited (no subscriptions)*	NA
Extended 1 year Warranty	29.99

Download Centre - Technical, Firmware and Information

A37JK-Roaming-Flyer.PDF

ubisurfer-manual.pdf

Customer Reviews on this Product
Luke (18/11/2009)

I've had it for about two weeks and I’m really thrilled with the UbiSurfer. It really is what a netbook should be. You can use it anywhere: At a friend’s house, in the CBD, or in your country home. No matter where you use it, it gives you a truly mobile experience. It runs just like your standard computer but the web races much faster than any 3G device I’ve used (including dongles).

To top it off, you don’t need a 3G connection, (which you can’t get everywhere) as it offers excellent browsing speeds on a GPRS connection. Even more amazing is that internet comes free with the device, I rate it outstanding.

Robert (14/11/2009)

The software's pretty diabolical. You can only use Firefox when using the wifi or wired (and it's painfully slow). When using the mobile data connection, you are forced to use Datawind's own web browser, which is painfully awful. Truely really nasty. And you can't use IM, email or whatnot while on the mobile data, either. Takes a short age to boot, and you can't suspend it; so you have to wait for it to boot every time you want to use it.

Carl (22/10/2009)

I am genuinely glad I bought the Ubisurfer. I’ve been surfing on it regularly for 10-12 days and it has really enhanced my mobile internet experience. I’ve made my train commutes useful again.

The web works fast the whole way in from countryside to city center. It works exactly like any other computer but on the internet, it races to sites faster than my now ex-3G dongle.

I also don’t have to worry about the dongle bills any more. My same usage this past week would have cost me tens if not 100 Quid. This is a stunning piece of equipment and I highly recommend it.

(07/10/2009)

Fit for purpose, I think not - it is slowish in both GPRS (UK) and on Wi-fi so please think very carefully especially if “out of UK” usage is your desire - definitely not a positive experience so far. Beware and consider waiting until it is properly developed.

Paul (03/10/2009)

Not at all happy. Very Slow even after updates installed. I also had problems with saving web addresses on the GPRS browser. This is a great idea but just does not work well. In the end gave up and bought another more expensive laptop and will use my mobile to connect when I need on the go.

Alan (01/10/2009)

The main problem, is that the memory and processor make the thing so slow it is unusable. More like 7 minutes to load a page, and then about another ten minutes to slowly jerk down 1 line every 30 seconds. Paralysed by it's limitations.

Mark (01/10/2009)

If you want internet access practically anywhere then this is an excellent cheap option.

I've only used it via the GPRS and not via wifi yet, but it does the job I got it for. Access internet away from home.

It's not the quickest in the world but there's no monthly contract to pay like with mobile phones, so it does a job.

If you're willing to pay £30 a month for an internet phone, do that. If you want a laptop don't get this. But if you just want cheap internet access away from your home/office this is ideal.

Michael (27/09/2009)

Nothing but problems since I purchased this. It is a great idea but I think brought out too soon. The mouse is too sensitive (& you can't change it!)so I bought an external mouse, which is better. Deleting emails takes forever, everything "Clickable" is so small. I purchased the roaming package, it would not connect in France or Belgium on my recent trip! so it was useless for what I actually purchased it for! I have a PocketSurfer by the same people (which I love) but it doesn't have the roaming facility on the one I have, so I bought the Ubisurfer as a replacement to that for when I am abroad, but it was a major let down. It seems like I'm spending half my life on the helpline, but not really getting anywhere. Very dissapointed with this product.

Sean (26/09/2009)

The latest update removes the use of the firefox browser whilst using the mobile access makes this unit uselss. The built in 'optimised' browser is hopleless for long web pages, or entering into dialogue boxes. Also now impossible is ssh access when mobile. My phone does more, and faster.

Ryan (25/09/2009)

I got this as I was going away where internet access was limited. Paid my £30 roaming fee easily enough and set off. It worked great for a few days and everyone found a use for it, be it checking their emails or simply backing up photos from their cameras, but then one day it decided to just hang at the boot up screen. It turned on fine, but stayed on the 'UbiSurfer' white background screen and didn't progress despite me letting the battery drain then eventually pressing the reset button on the bottom. In a way it was kind of a good thing it broke down, I only had two days left of my trip and I doubt I would have ever used it when at home. The only down side is I lost a few photos and you don't get your money back from the roaming charge. My advice would be to wait for something better, they nearly had it, but lots of room for improvement.

mohsin (16/09/2009)

great little run around

Nathanael (14/09/2009)

Datawind have just performed a service "upgrade", which has disabled features. Now if you are connected via GPRS, you can only use their Datawind Surfer. I've also been trying to get them to provide their sources and Datawind support ignores these requests which is generally unhelpful if you want to tinker with your own Linux software. This is in stark comparison to CnM or Elonex. Their sources are published online, and they also provide restore images so you can tweak to your hearts' content. Either spend a bit more, and go for an Eee PC or an Acer Aspire One. Or spend a bit less, and buy an Elonex or a CnM, and buy a 3G dongle with the money you save. Elonex and CnM both support 3G dongles (instructions on their websites), whereas the UbiSurfer does not.

(02/09/2009)

I am dissapointed with this item. I have had numerous issues and in the end gave up after my 3rd replacement. This item seems like a good idea but was released too early (although i guess now that the patches are being released the item may perform better but i had lost faith in the item by then).

Elaine (02/09/2009)

This does exactly what I purchased it for - at last! I just needed a quick, small and inexpensive notebook to take on my travels. I do not spend a great deal of time each day online so the included internet access is brilliant. However, do not try to download the patches direct to the UbiSurfer it just does not work. Either send for them or download to an SD card or memory stick on another computer, unzip the file and then transfer across. I spent a very frustrating time trying to do it directly. It is vital you download the patches straight away or secure web sites will not load as the date/time function is not correct.

Steve (29/08/2009)

I'm recording my anguish and joy on my blog. Just bought it and I seem to have different problems. But I'm giving it 5 stars for effort.

Nathanael (28/08/2009)

Summary: Cheapest and smallest netbook with some bundled net access to boot. However, within the same price bracket as e.g. Asus Eee PC or Acer Aspire One, both boasting better specs for not much more money. Pros: Runs Linux (so should be theoretically very customisable) / Cheap / Good coverage / Powerful enough for what it's meant for / Relatively low hassle to set up aside from the patches Cons: Slow bootup - 1 min 20 seconds / No standby mode (unacceptable given boot time -- and website claims battery life of 4 days on this ficticious mode) / Slow GPRS connect time - 50 secs on initial start after boot -- it's virtually 3 minutes before anything's good to go / UbiSurfer GPRS browser is pants. Good for websites where javascript and/or intense graphics is an absolute must, but suffers from slow scrolling (especially in long pages, e.g. BBC news or forums; Slashdot virtually unreadable) and rendering problems. No shortcut keys. It forgets bookmarks. Fortunately once GPRS is up, Firefox with ImgLikeOpera and NoScript plugins runs acceptably fast even over GPRS / Crippled Linux WM with low customisability - can't even change fonts via UI (I've yet to hack the config file) / Minimally spec'ed -- feels like it's struggling to run Firefox (I'm writing this on an UbiSurfer with both patches installed.)

Henry (26/08/2009)

I got this netbook from the local store. I have been using the Vodafone GPRS with no probs. I listened to some tunes, played some youtube videos, downloaded some pics, and it was really smooth. It's A Great Netbook!!!

Roy (23/08/2009)

When I first bought the Ubisurfer, I thought it was a load of rubbish......all the faults as reported before, not a very useful unit at all. But..........Downloaded both patches from Datawind and installed them (what a great company, sends you the patches on 2GB USB Drives) and what a difference! Much better than the Windows CE version, brilliant conectivity with my WI-FI system, great coverage via the built in modem, works great with LAN, good sound, speed and graphic capabilities for a small machine. Forget about the prior reviews, buy one and ask Maplin to update in store.....well worth the money

Kenneth (20/08/2009)

Granted, I’ve been using Linux for years. But the UbiSurfer is a great little tool. OK, it’s not a monster PC, but you’re buying this for the web, and for that it works great. I am tweaking it a bit to run the way I like it, and I will post a step by step of how to maximize performance when I am done. A tip to traditional users: Use the connection wizard first! Then follow all the instructions. They are pretty clear. I’m just glad I can finally get the REAL internet anywhere without forking the big money. Spread the word…. The UbiSurfer rocks.

Jerome (19/08/2009)

Get the UbiSurfer! I devoured my 30 hours of free internet in 3 days flat as I do lot of research online but am always on the go. I ended up having to call up the support desk and upgraded to an unlimited plan. It works gr8 an it’s unlimited for 5.99/mo. Access times are excellent. I never thought of using a Linux machine before the Ubisurfer. It's easy, fast and I don't have to worry about seeing the blue screen of death. The Ubisurfer's got an excellent look and feel, and working on it is fun. I use it heavily and recommend it.

Graham (17/08/2009)

This looks like a good idea on the surface but it does have severe limtiations.Like some other reviewers I just cannot get it to open up the Firefox browser after struggling to get to connect to a WiFi network.It also locks up and needs rebooted after a fairly limited amount of tasks in Ubisurfer mode.I also found that the roaming facility doen't work on The Isle of Man (suspect that that's because there are no Vodafone masts over there- so beware!!

Sue (17/08/2009)

My first ubisurfer suffered the same problems as everyone else has mentioned. I sent it back and received another one exactly the same! However the patches have now appeared and I downloaded and installed them (16.7mb worth btw). It now works fine. However please be aware this is not a substitute for a laptop. It is a low memory machine whose main aim is to provide you with basic internet access wherever you are - which it does well. There are a few other free Linux based applications installed that increase the usability and if you're prepared to do some online research, you can find other software to install if you wish (although the installed programs are probably all you'll need). It only works well when just one program is open at a time due to its low memory, but that's fine. So, if you want something to keep you in touch via email, with the occasional browsing (eBay, Google, Msn, BBC etc all work great), with the added bonus of a word processor and somewhere to view your photos bigger than on your camera's screen. Then you won't be disappointed. If you're expecting a mini laptop (and at this price you really shouldn't be), then don't buy it. This is an ideal purchase for people who travel or holiday where there aren't any wifi hotspots (or if you live somewhere like that), or for students who want to take notes at lectures or lessons but not be singled out as a laptop carrier to local muggers! The four star rating is because to get fully used to it you have to have a little bit of computer know-how, and it also shouldn't have been released without all the problems being fixed first.

Linda (16/08/2009)

My Husband bought this for me as a birthday present, I'm not young but neither am I a complete numpty. I was soo pleased to have something that will fit into my pocket or handbag. I spent hours today trying to get it to work..saving bookmarks, and the graphics were pretty low, & it kept freezing, so I reset it, started again and could not down load the patch...it froze, so I used a USB dongle and down loaded the patch from my home PC, finally got the patch on the Ubi, it worked fine, I also down loaded Firefox, and then IceWeasle seemed to wake up, I had a lovely hour playing.. until the battery expired without warning..charged it up, started it and Zilch, nada, it has forgotten everything. I'll have another go, & if it does not work, by next weekend it will be going back. Such a shame.

Lee (12/08/2009)

For anyone looking to buy this product I would say wait and see. I have bought one and exprienced the internet locking up like others over GPRS. I wanted this as my girlfriend doesn't have internet access and doesn't live in a strong 3G area. It seems a lot better over Wifi which I managed to try at work. Over Wifi it uses a different browser (Firefox). The product definitely has the feel of a rush/unfinished product. Some of the function keys do not work for me, and there is already an update due to fix this problem. Datawind have a good reputation for it pocketsurfer products but I have never bought one, for people looking for updates check for the UBI Surfer "http://www.ubisurfer.com/html/downloads.asp". One update is already available with one due soon, again smacks of trying to plug the holes on a rushed release. As it stands I cannot recommend the machine because it has too many problems. Will report back if the patches improve things, or perhaps I just have a faulty unit.

Domino (11/08/2009)

I got this netbook a week ago, and I can safely say, there is nothing at this price range that comes close to what this unit has. I’m on the unlimited plan and use it for hours daily. My opinion on the Ubisurfer is that it has stepped up to the mark to one-up Asus as it is just as good and offers more for free. When you include all these features including WiFi & LAN, you can’t touch it. It gets me all the internet I need, anywhere I need it and it is much faster than any smartphone I’ve ever seen. My rating its outstanding.

Iain (08/08/2009)

This product feels as if it has been released 3 months too early. You can browse the Internet on GPRS but that's about all. Nothing else works as intended. Steer clear till Christmas (then look for better products). Gives Linux a bad name.

Sean (04/08/2009)

For web access in the middle of a field, it's great - nice keyboard, screen, and a good size. Despite having wifi, it doesn't seem suitable as a home web terminal - it's just a bit too slow. SD card and USB access is desperately slow. Hoping that the updated software appears soon, and makes a difference.

LEONARD (01/08/2009)

Well, unlike others I have to say that I am less than impressed with the UBIsurfer. I was expecting something better than Datawind's Pocket Surfer but the GPRS performance is about the same, WiFi is slow with YouTube videos having stuttery and out-of-sync sound (which incidentally only comes from the headphone socket, not the internal speakers). Media Player interface is a text only affair and it won't even play MP3 files without stuttery sound,(again only through the headphone socket) my £4.99 MP3 player works better! I contacted Datawind about the problems and they said their programmers are working on a patch. Not recommended!

Eva (01/08/2009)

I bought this product in Ireland for internet [WiFi] access. So far, I can only access the net on open WiFi. The netbook cannot cope with coded wireless aceess. I am quite disappointed with the Netbook so far

Andrew (01/08/2009)

Don't know whether it is just the one I bought or the faults are common to all Ubisurfers but I cannot login to my home wireless network, the Ubisurfer does not recognise when a network cable is connected, part of the operating system seems to be missing including setting the date and time (the Ubisurfer thinks it is 1 Jan 1970), adjusting the volume, setting owner information, viewing pictures etc. The only thing that does work properly is the GPRS internet connection, but even this locks me out of my e-mail when the e-mail embedded on the Datawind home page is activated. All in all - not an inspiring piece of equipment. EDITORS NOTE: the majority of the issues reffered to in this review are documented issues which Datawind have released a patch for. Updates and patches etc can be found via the link on the product overview.

Jack (31/07/2009)

I have just bought a ubisurfer and I think it is great. I'm going away next week and the customer support team have set up my roaming so I can access all my emails and use the netbook while i'm on hiloday. Great little machine, I'm very pleased!

Roger (31/07/2009)

I got mine yesterday afternoon and was playing around with it seeing what it has and before I knew it, I’d skipped dinner and it was past 9. I’ve now a toy to play with during my lunch hour. Called my friend to ask his advice he was complaining to me about his new ASUS Netbook which was giving him probs. Not my black beauty. It hums along great. Have to say that I can’t complain about anything. The interface is excellent and this morning I edited word docs off a USB stick. 5 Stars for me.

Rita (31/07/2009)

I had to post this to say that not all experiences have been average. I absolutely love my UbiSurfer. It is really fun to work with and I have had no problems running any apps at all. I’ve used it quite a bit since I first bought it. I’ve spent hours on the GPRS and hooked up the Wifi at home both day and night and it really impresses. Before I bought it, I was sceptical about the Linux interface as I never used it and heard it was difficult to work with, but it looks and works just like Windows and anyone who has used Windows will get this straight off. Highly recommended.

Barry (31/07/2009)

As has been stated, I also have problems with this. I cannot access settings in order to gain access to the clock - it is not displayed on the toolbar. The manual states that the toolbar is split and access to each is via "1" or "2" - these are not displayed. It will not find my network on WiFi - my laptop has no problem - but does find my neighbours, just. So the only web access I can get is via UbiSurfer Anywhere. This means that I am using the "free" access time. Datawind Support say that they are trying to fix this with a software upgrade, but they are taking their time. EDITORS NOTE: the updated manual is on the "download section" of this web page. Most of the issues outlined in the review are part of the update patch which can be downloaded via the link on the product overview.

Martin (30/07/2009)

I've had my UbiSurfer for a few days now. I've tried the other apps and they're good enough, but it's the internet that really impresses. It is fast and UNLIKE my sister's iPod Touch, I can actually use mine on the way to work. And it's free! E-mails, banking, Facebook. The best £150 I've spent in years.

Sadhu (30/07/2009)

Love it - fast internet everywhere, and very affordable.

RICHARD (29/07/2009)

HAVE SPOKEN TO PRODUCT SUPPORT ABOUT IT FREEZING THEY ARE NOW SENDING ME A NEW MACHINE,THEY SAID THEY HAD TESTED THE NEW ONE FOR 2HRS AND ALL WAS OK ,SO FINGERS CROSSED I HOPE THIS ONE IS OK WE WILL SEE IN FEW DAYS WHEN I RECIEVE NEW ONE,I ALSO COULDNT FIND THE SOUND IN FILES AS ONE OF YOU SAID BUT IM NOT USED TO LINEX SO MAYBE ITS BURIED SOMEWHERE BUT I AM PLEASED WITH SUPPORT SO WILL GIVE 3STARS

steph (29/07/2009)

This machine was not as good as i hoped. Everytime you hit a web page the machine did not like it would freeze. I have no sound on my machine. my mobile phone did more than this machine. It seems a good idea that was released too early.

jim (29/07/2009)

I have had this a few days now and generally I am pleased with it however there is no sound at all in fact the settings for sound / clock / date etc are missing from the menu it also freezes after a short time and has to be turned off and on again I rang Customer Support and they told me they were working on the problem and I will get an online message with regard to it. I will give it a few days for them to rectify it if nothing happens I will return the Surfer to Maplin.

Alistair (29/07/2009)

Just got the ubisurfer and build quality is better than expected. However it is a bit of a one trick pony, really only allowing internet access with any competence. The software is largely poor quality open source with very limited functionality. The machine is prone to freeze and stop working frequently. The instrcutions are so minimal as to be largely useless. There does not appear to be a snooze button. All in all my ipod touch has heaps more function than my Ubisurfer, looks better, has vastly superior useability and it not that much more expensive.

RICHARD (29/07/2009)

I like the look and feel of the ubisurfer it has a good build quality for the price, the screen is well balanced and it does not tip over when you open it up,and screen can be used at any angle,loved the little keyboard,but---- mine keeps freezing on the net within 10 mins I contacted support and they took serial no and said would get vodaphone to tweek it,it now seems better,the longer im on line the better it gets but also same problem on wifi it cuts when it gets warm.im wondering if there is condensation in it from shipping,or there is a circuit board fault, these units only get slightly warm not hot anyway will keep trying with it, it cuts now after about 40 mins so getting better i may have to send back to maplins i will see, unless support have any answers dont really want to send it back because pages load pretty quick in general and some good softwear on it, so its fine when it goes well. ps. anybody else had same problem put your blog in here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is the maximum size SD card that the Ubisurfer take - Mike B

Answer- This is tested upto a maximum of 2gb.

Q- Does this work the same way as a pocket surfer - s redfern

Answer- yes this item uses the same connectivity technology as the Pocketsurfer

Q- Can you install other programs on it - Jeff

Answer- This product does not support the installation of 3rd party software.

Q- I would like to know does the 30 hours browsing apply to gprs only and wifi is unlimited connecction time? thanks - James Pitcher

Answer- Wifi is unlimited on this item

Q- Is it possible to use a usb optical mouse instead of the standard touchpad - R WARD

Answer- Yes the product does support the use of a USB mouse.

Q- Does it support skype? - Paul

Answer- This device does not support Skype currently i am afraid.

Q- Can the UBISurfer Netbook print at all. If so, how (to a wi-fi printer?) Thanks! - Nathan

Answer- No sorry this product does not support that.

Q- How long does the item last on battery power - David Rolph

Answer- Generally arounnd 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Q- If this item is only used via the LAN, would you still need to pay for the second years subscription to use it? - BOB

Answer- No you could still use the unit via your local area network even if not subscribed anynmore.

Q- Can you sync the calender with microsoft outlook? - P

Answer- No sorry this product does not support that.

 

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