PeekFON Coming To Europe [Mobile E-Mail Only Device Heads To Europe, only €99]

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The Peek drew some confused looks when it was first announced, as it was purely a mobile e-mail gadget, with no phone, no apps or no web browser. Now, the Peek is heading to Europe, courtesy of Spanish WiFi Router company FON, who says the device is perfect in Europe because of high cellular roaming charges.

The Peek, now called the PeekFon, will cost a European e-mail connoisseur €99 ($146), with the e-mail service free for six months, after that, Fon will charge €13 ($20) per month. This service is provided via a GSM cellular connection, but the Peek will also be able to access the e-mail service via Fon’s 800,000 WiFi hotspots in Europe.

An e-mail-only gadget may seem a bit bizarre, but according to Fon, it’s usefulness comes for those who wish to avoid the pricey, long-term contracts for e-mail with a BlackBerry or iPhone, and the steep roaming charges that affect European mobile phone customers. FON CEO Martin Varsavsky doesn’t even play around with the idea that his device is superior, saying that ” a Blackberry, an iPhone, an Android is a better product than a Peek and if you have the extra money to sign 1200 euros contracts and spend a few thousand more for roaming the Peek can’t compete with the complete iPhone, Blackberry, Android experience”.

That being said, he did promise Twitter and web browsing functionality in upcoming newer models of the Peek gadget. The Peek, out now, will set you back $60 in the United States, or €99 in Europe, with the the service plans for both roughly €13/$20 for both continents.