Drop, charge, and lose the cordsPeek (charcoal)
Manufacturer: Peek Part number: AB01GR
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Peek promises to be the mobile e-mail device for everyday people, but we just think the money is better spent on a multifunction handheld.
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Where to buy
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 |  | In stock Try Free Amazon Prime for one Month | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Peek (charcoal) price range: $14.95 - $19.99
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 08/28/2008
- Released on: 09/14/2008
The good: The Peek has a well-spaced QWERTY keyboard with cushy keys, a dead-simple user interface, an easy-to-use jog dial, and a very slim profile. Peek doesn't require any contracts or service agreements.
The bad: We think that since the Peek is an e-mail-only device, it should be cheaper. Otherwise, it should offer more functionality.
The bottom line: The Peek promises to be the mobile e-mail device for everyday people, but we just think the money is better spent on a multifunction handheld.
Here's the Peek pitch: there are those of us who are dependent on e-mail, but don't want to get a smartphone--maybe because of pricing, or because smartphones can be pretty complicated for first-time users. So forget the BlackBerry, the Treo, and the iPhone; the people behind Peek wanted to introduce a mobile e-mail device for "everyday people." And they did. The Peek does e-mail, and only e-mail. It doesn't make calls, it doesn't browse the Web, and it doesn't even send and receive text messages. It is a dead-simple handheld dedicated to one primary function. Because of this simplicity, we wanted to like this, we really did. But its $100 pricing with a $20 monthly service plan just makes this single-use device a bit too costly for our liking, even if there's no contract or service agreement.
The most common comment we've heard about the Peek is that it looks a little like a business calculator. Indeed, it is wide, thin, and flat, with a black rubber front and a silver metal back. Measuring 4.02 inches long by 2.7 inches wide by 0.42 inch thick, the Peek has the dimensions of either a really big calculator or a really svelte BlackBerry. It's also incredibly lightweight at only 3.84 ounces and can be easily slipped into a pocket or purse.
Right on the front is a 2.5-inch diagonal QVGA display, which provides excellent resolution (240x320 pixels) and displays text clearly and legibly. Since the Peek is an e-mail-only device and doesn't even support HTML mail, there isn't much to look at in terms of graphics anyway. By default, the display is capable of showing at least eight messages in a list, which is fairly generous. Along the top of the display is the signal strength, the battery life, the date and time, and a circle that lights up when it's processing an action. You can also adjust the backlight time, and the color theme (there's Spring, Tangerine, and Dusk),
Underneath the display is one of the best QWERTY keyboards we've ever tried. It resembles a desktop or laptop computer keyboard, with the numbers arranged along the top. The keys are all raised above the surface, and are made out of a cushy rubber material, which made it a real pleasure to type. On the right spine is a jog dial, which can be used to scroll through the in-box and through individual messages. When pressed, the jog dial can select messages, as well as bring up a function menu. We really love the jog dial, as it makes navigating the messages incredibly easy.
Next to the jog dial is a Back button that lets you go back to the previous screen. On the left spine is the charger jack with a rubberized cover, while the power switch is on the top. Normally we don't mention battery cover construction, but we feel like we need to do so here. The battery cover of the Peek we received is flimsy to a fault. It appears to pop out at even the slightest nudge. This might be because the unit we received is not ready for market, and we hope they fix it in time.
As we mentioned, the Peek is an e-mail-only device, and it promises to make e-mail as easy as possible. It certainly delivers on its promise. Setting up an e-mail account is as easy as entering your name, e-mail address, password, and hitting Submit. Right now, Peek only works with Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, and AOL, with more e-mail providers being supported in the near future. You can add up to three e-mail accounts on each Peek, plus you can import your contacts over as well. Like most e-mail software, you can open, compose, reply, reply all, save, and delete e-mail. You can also mark them read or unread, and you have access to the Sent, Drafts, Saved, and Trash folders. As far as settings go, you can also set up the sounds and alerts for incoming messages.
Peek's e-mail system appears to work via POP and not IMAP, meaning you might have to do some juggling between in-boxes. For example, deleting e-mails on your Peek will not delete the e-mails in your e-mail account, and vice versa. A minor detail for those who don't care about such things, perhaps, but we found it highly irritating. Also, do note that the Peek receives its signal from regular cell towers (we found a T-Mobile SIM card in our device), so you do need to be in a good signal strength area to send and receive e-mails. Also, if you travel abroad, you might incur roaming charges.
Perhaps our biggest problem with the Peek is the concept itself. While we understand the need for simple devices such as this, we feel that it should be a lot cheaper for what it does. And if Peek wants to charge $100 for the device and a $20 monthly fee, then the device needs to do more than just e-mail. We suggest adding an instant-messaging function at the very least. Otherwise, the Peek just does not compare with other messaging phones like the Sidekick and the Centro, which both cost about the same, but offer so much more than just e-mail. In short, while the device works as promised, we just didn't think it was worth the money.
The Peek has a rated battery life of two to three days with "typical usage."
User reviews
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Unbelievable Device
by teachtopia on July 17, 2009
Pros: -simply works
-not complicated
-inexpensiveCons: -some people don't understand that it is an e-mail only device and not meant to do anything else
Summary: Everyone who wants a portable e-mail device should get this product.
Summary: Everyone who wants a portable e-mail device should get this product.
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Great device and a breeze to set up.
by ebrsales on December 3, 2008
Pros: Small easy to carry as well as easy to set up. No long contracts or surprizes.
Cons: None a great device. Peek is a winner.
Summary: Great device to check email as well as text message. Small enough to carry and so simple to set up. I highly recommend the Peek. I love now just using ...
Summary: Great device to check email as well as text message. Small enough to carry and so simple to set up. I highly recommend the Peek. I love now just using my cell phone for calls and my peek for email and texts.
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JUST A PEEK
by CDFOX on December 1, 2008
Pros: is all I wanted to have. this does let me see what's coming at me when I get back to my computer. it does texting now and you can view photo type files. I can forward an email with an attachment that someone's been waiting for.
Cons: the keys are a little small and it's a little stiff initially. It doesn't display messages sent in html. I'm still tempted to want to open files or click through to a website but that's why I didn't just get an air card and lug my laptop.
Summary: $19.95 unlimited email and texting. no contracts. what a deal!
Summary: $19.95 unlimited email and texting. no contracts. what a deal!
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Looks to be a promising device for it's abilities.
by DamagedGoods2u on November 17, 2008
Pros: Up to 3 email accounts can be setup
Txt messaging is now available
battery time 4-5 days under normal usageCons: $20 a month charge (Too much for what it does) $240 dollars a year!
No instant messagingSummary: Bottom Line- This seems to be an outstanding device that could be capable of becoming the next fad.
It's extremely simple to use and setup.
Price wise I think ...Summary: Bottom Line- This seems to be an outstanding device that could be capable of becoming the next fad.
It's extremely simple to use and setup.
Price wise I think they should rework the number in order to attract potential buyers but overall a perfect solution for the present day techie!
The ability to Txt message alone was the anti-deal breaker for me.
Considering what Major Cell phone providers charge, do the math and see for yourself. -
simpleJust Works!!!!
by marygroomer1 on November 16, 2008
Pros: First off I am a bit geeky. That said I am an Iphone user and the e-mail usability is not what it shoud be
Really easy set-up and an awesome keyboard.Fingernail friendly. Cute.Cons: Text size could be a bit bigger
Summary: Awesome svelte little device that does exactly as advertised. and really does it Well.
Summary: Awesome svelte little device that does exactly as advertised. and really does it Well.
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Email on the go with ease and style!
by PhillySunshine on October 30, 2008
Pros: Easy setup. Great keyboard. Stylish look. Mobile connectivity. NO CONTRACTS!
Cons: Needs easy to get accessories.
Summary: It couldn't have an easier setup and almost instantly connects you to 3 of your email accounts on the go. Keyboard is quite comfortable to use especially compared to ...
Summary: It couldn't have an easier setup and almost instantly connects you to 3 of your email accounts on the go. Keyboard is quite comfortable to use especially compared to other portable email devices. Also the Peek is far cheaper than other options. No contracts is a major plus as well. I adore this product and have since the moment my email accounts were confirmed on it. I am quite busy and this device allows me to keep in contact with my friends during some of the only free time that I have: bus/train commutes. I take it with me everywhere and can hardly remember life before it. If you need a mobile email option and want it done well, check out the Peek.
In regards to the desire for accessories: A car charger would be great for roadtrips. I'd like a different case than the one that it comes with, but that is because I am quite picky.
Overall, the device does exactly what I wanted it to do: it allows me to stay in contact with people that I would otherwise loose touch with. It's easy, it's stylish, and it lives up to what it says it will do. If you want an email only device that anyone can use this is it. I am so happy with mine that I want to get some for friends and family as Christmas gifts! The best part is that it is so easy you don't have to be a rocket scientist to use it, so I can give one to my tech-challenged family members and they won't have a problem! It's also fun enough to give to my goddaughter so I can keep in touch with her better. I adore mine and everyone who knows me knows that. If, however, you want one device to do everything for you, this is not it. -
Simple, stylish and smarter than a smartphone
by amolsarva on October 28, 2008
Pros: Easy! Took 60 seconds to set up
Slim
Such a better deal than signing a contract that will cost $2,000 over 2 years
I think this is a terrific gift.Cons: Doesn't do lots of things that the more complicated phones do
Not a business device
Probably not for 'techies' -- go for your 'easy and convenient' crowd insteadSummary: I think the reviewer has too much of a "I want bells and whistles" review. I did notice I agree with "this is the best keypad" I've ever tested...
Summary: I think the reviewer has too much of a "I want bells and whistles" review. I did notice I agree with "this is the best keypad" I've ever tested...
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Peek
- Part number: AB01GR
- Description: Meet Peek, the world's first device designed for and dedicated to your mobile email. The lightweight, slim design makes the Peek easy to take with you wherever you go, and the large color display, full keypad and simple menus make emailing a breeze.
General
- Width 2.7 in
- Depth 0.4 in
- Height 4 in
- Weight 3.8 oz
- Body Color Charcoal
Cellular
- Technology GSM
- Band GSM 800/1800/1900
- Caller ID Yes
- Additional Features 8 MB internal memory
Communicator Features
- Operating System Peekux
Messaging & Data Services
- Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
- Internet Browser Yes
- Messaging / Data Features Text messages, E-Mail
GPS System
- GPS Navigation None
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories AC charger, Battery, Carrying case
Battery
- Technology - Lithium ion
Product series
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Manufacturer: Peek
Specs: GSM 800/1800/1900, 3.8 oz
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Manufacturer: Peek
Specs: GSM 800/1800/1900, 3.8 oz
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Manufacturer: Peek
Specs: GSM 800/1800/1900, 3.8 oz
Manufacturer info
- Peek
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Peek products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.getpeek.com/index.html
- Address:
265 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 - Phone: 347 284 1971
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