• On CBSNews.com: Mo Rocca on The Future Of Us
April 29, 2008 10:42 AM PDT

The 'TextCu.be': Social network on a keychain?

by Mike Yamamoto
  • Font size
  • Print
  • Post a comment

If you're becoming hopelessly addicted to Twitter or any other social network, then by all means stay away from this device. Called "TextCu.be"--being of Web 2.0 in nature, it obviously can't have a normal spelling--this is a dedicated wireless receiver designed to get text messages from designated social networks.

(Credit: TextCu.be)

There's just one question that immediately comes to mind: Why would anyone buy a device like this when you can set up instant messages from social networks directly to a mobile phone?

TextCu.be's makers claim that it's preferable because "older methods used current technologies in a 'mashup' that weren't all too pleasant, standardized, or secure," but we're not sure who will find it worth the $100 price and--worse yet, in our opinion--the burden of carrying an additional device. And even though it's touted for being small enough to fit on a keychain, as Slippery Brick says, that could also work against it: The screen is tiny, and the device maxes out at 80 messages.

Maybe it's meant for the ultimate loyalist who wants a standalone product that can pay homage to a particular community, customizing it with "over 100 colors and designs and widgets for all the current social networking sites," as described by the company. But if that's the case, professional counseling may be a better way to spend that C-note.

Recent posts from Crave
Amazon beefs up wireless Kindle family
Kodak's new PlaySport Zx3 pocket camcorder is waterproof
Sling unveils a quartet of new devices
Forget the Apple tablet, HP's TouchSmart tm2 is already here
Gateway adds $299 LT21 Netbook with the Intel Atom N450
New consumer Netbooks from HP: Mini 102 and Mini 210
A business-consumer hybrid Netbook: HP's Mini 2102
HP updates one of our favorite Netbooks with the Mini 5102
advertisement

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

Five New Year's resolutions for Google

Stakes are high as Google attempts to maintain one of the Internet's greatest cash machines while pushing into new and risky markets.
• Android event set for Jan. 5

For eBay sellers, a holiday hamster hangover

The gift frenzy over Zhu Zhu Pets leaves some power sellers feeling like they've just run a marathon--but the steep price tags lead to some impressive profits.