Is Samsung’s Mondi the wireless device we’ve been dreaming about?

The short answer is no, but there’s more to say.

For the Tightwad, this first gen gadget is going to be way too pricey. In the end this is the beginning of the future of pocket size portables. Unlike the Fruit Phone it’s a pure 4G internet device, making voice available as a cloud service, which is what mobile broadband voice should have been to begin with. Contrast this to a GSM phone box lashed onto a mini WiFi tablet with a cutie fruity case. The Fruit Phone was created purely to appease the bill you by the minute crowd, condemning it to be a clunky, closed device no matter how pretty it is. The Modi and the cheaper and more capable devices that it will inspire will be powered by any software or service you like, instead of a few apps selected by a cult leader. No minute or bit charges, just pay your monthly fee and you’re good to go. Use it any way you like, no permission from the cult leader or death star is required. This is what mobile broadband was meant to be.

Samsung will be releasing a touch-screen mobile Internet device in August that can take advantage of Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S)’s expanding WiMax networks.The Mondi has a 4.3-inch touch screen with an 800 by 480 resolution and a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard. To stay connected, the device has Wi-Fi and a 4G modem that could provide twice the download speeds of 3G networks.

While it has no cellular connections, the Mondi supports VoIP services like Fring for making calls, and it can also send text messages and multimedia messages over the Internet. Additionally, it has support for instant messaging programs, as well as push-to-talk capabilities. (Information Week)