So, here's a little blurb on why the screen looks bad...
They (Datawind and, by extension, EdgeTech) are using GPRS (a cell standard that is ubiquitous but slow compared to AT&T's EDGE network and far slower than 3G). So, to get around the problem of painfully slow page-loading they set up their own servers to intercept your request for a page, take a picture of the results, compress that picture down, and then send it to your unit.
The picture is enhanced by a technique called image-mapping, which results in hyperlinks working and it being aware of where there's a textbox (for example, the area where you enter search text on google.com). Because you're using a picture of the web page rather than the actual / real web page, entering text is done via a separate box that appears along the top of the screen.
Advantages:
- Speed (especially noticeable compared with other GPRS units).
Disadvantages:
- Degraded image quality.
- More complex navigation, poorer text entry, scrolling issues.
Essentially, it's a trade-off between speed and clarity (plus some ease-of-use). Some people will absolutely reject that compromise, but it will work perfectly well for basic use such as checking e-mail, basic browsing, and instant messaging - especially when you factor in price: for example, Datawind in the UK sell for the practical equivalent of $279 with free internet access for a year and then a low price thereafter. That compares well with more advanced devices that cost a lot more in terms of initial purchase + data contract.
EdgeTech need a similar service-bundling deal here (currently it requires a $30 a month data plan with T-Mobile), which is a barrier to sale for EdgeTech and something they derive no revenue from (presuming they actually sell some in significant quantities).
Some of the reported problems in the UK with pages failing to load, failing to scroll, etc could very well be due to a poor server infrastructure rather than a cell problem (poor reception) or a design problem (poor antenna). I suspect that's something they need to work on.
Another concern is what happens as device and service costs continue to fall. I'm not as-concerned about that because there's nothing, for example, stopping Datawind including 3G when the cost of that falls - as long as they can offer a price-performance that's better than competing units they should be fine. My most serious concerns are about distribution and ability-to-execute, which both Datawind and EdgeTech continue to fail miserably at.
