Z2 - Zipit Wireless Messenger 2
The new Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 handheld device won't let you edit Office documents on the road, but you will be able to get your instant messaging tasks done via Wi-fi. The Z2 recently won a 2007 DigitalLife Best of Show award for portable
gear, perhaps because it's the only device of its kind that offers wireless IM connectivity
with no monthly or per message fees. The Z2 supports AOL, Yahoo!, and MSN IM
platforms, while also creating one
buddy list that covers all three platforms. The full backlit QWERTY keyboard and 2.9” 320 X 240 Color TFT LCD screen should make texting easy.
Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 can also play music with its MyTunez music player. You can kick the sounds that are stored on an optional mini-SD card, or radio streamed from the
Internet, while the MyPhotoz feature will handle your photo viewing needs.
Zipit Wireless is targeting teens this Holiday with the Z2 ($149.99), but I don't know many kids who have the patients to find a Wi-fi hot-spot in order to get their IM on. Maybe a future Z3 will be more user friendly if and when it becomes available. Here's the company's pitch:
"IMing is the dominant form of electronic communication for teens. A recent AP article cited the unique, conversational aspects of IMing that continue to drive teen usage and also stated that one in 10 teens spend three or more hours a day sending instant messages to their friends," said Frank Greer, CEO and president of Zipit Wireless Inc. "The Z2 provides teens with an immersive, yet affordable way to IM their friends without the hassles and limitations of the home computer. We are very excited that the Z2 is now ready for purchase at our Web site. By ordering the Z2 online now, teens can stay connected to all their friends just in time for the busy holiday season."
