There's not enough mobile web content to justify a mobile web phone. Also a Windows Mobile phone can do what you want, you just wish the devices were cheaper and simpler. Remember "internet appliances"? People though PCs were too expensive and complex so they built appliances that were optimized for web browsing. Surprisingly(?) consumers kept buying complex PCs that were only slightly more expensive. The purpose-built devices never caught on.

Doesn't a sidekick fit this description?

I totally agree that many people in developing countries skip the pc entirely and use a phone. Here in South Africa, most of the lower income domestic workers (typically having moderate / poor educational qualifications) wouldn't have a clue how to operate a pc, and wouldn't be able to afford one - but a huge proportion of them have cell phones.

I think you are wrong because I want the Web access for my browsing and email, the phone should take the back seat, and that's why I don't have one yet. The phone calls should be extra, but not by the minute if WIFI isn't available to connect for browsing. The plans so far are backwards for my purposes.

Also Nokia should throw in a phone for their Linux tablet when WIFI isn't available, it could be by plan or Pay-As-Use type.

Thanks,
ChiJoan

you mean like these?

http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS8030785497.html

or

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=35590

I really see the opportunity here expressed by Ajit. There is a niche in wireless not yet being filled.

Part of this opportunity could involve high usage from specific vertical markets/segments (and a launch opportunity from a start-up view point). As an example, we've built a web/voice application for the Real Estate space, which has a number of integration scenarios. An easy wireless voice/web solution with simple point of entry would have huge implications, if initially only as an Agent admin tool show piece as the start of a viral opportunity.

I would be happy to collaborate with any effort to package such a product. What's needed I would think is a good concept plan from a product designer with a good understanding of the "Who can do" players. If anybody had this, I might even possibly raise a bit of money.

I would like to hear from Ajit as well on this, specifically who the operators and handset vendors might be. Coming from North America, the wireless market is not nearly what it is in Europe.

I really see the opportunity here expressed by Ajit. There is a niche in wireless not yet being filled.

Part of this opportunity could involve high usage from specific vertical markets/segments (and a launch opportunity from a start-up view point). As an example, we've built a web/voice application for the Real Estate space, which has a number of integration scenarios. An easy wireless voice/web solution with simple point of entry would have huge implications, if initially only as an Agent admin tool show piece as the start of a viral opportunity.

I would be happy to collaborate with any effort to package such a product. What's needed I would think is a good concept plan from a product designer with a good understanding of the "Who can do" players. If anybody had this, I might even possibly raise a bit of money.

I would like to hear from Ajit as well on this, specifically who the operators and handset vendors might be. Coming from North America, the wireless market is not nearly what it is in Europe.