In a world that often stresses convergence over simplicity, it’s nice to see a new product designed to do one and only one thing well. That’s the premise behind the newly announced “Peek” device which aims to be an email only device. Doing away with complicated smartphone functionality, Peek attempts to deliver unlimited email to and from existing accounts from nearly anywhere in the U.S. The slim device connects to a nationwide wireless network and supports up to three existing email accounts from vendors such as Yahoo!, Hotmail, Gmail, AOL and others.  Sorry – Exchange is not supported at this time (which also means Peek isn’t ideal for business users out there).

With Peek, you should be able to get yourself up and running in as fast as 2 minutes. Features include the following:

• Unlimited email access to 3 accounts
• Activates in a few minutes
• Full keyboard for easy typing and simple email navigation
• Measures 4.02 x 2.7 x 0.42 inches
• Weighs 109 grams
• Available in charcoal gray, aqua blue, and black cherry
• 2.5 inch diagonal QVGA (240 x 320) display
• Two to three day battery life

The device itself costs $99.95 but you’ll need to get the monthly subscription which will run you $19.95 a month.

It remains to be seen whether Peek will actually succeed in the consumer market but it’s certainly a great idea. The subscription rates seem a bit too high. Cut the $19.95 dollar a month subscription rate down by at least 10 dollars and the Peek could become an instant hit. Considering this device is targeted to the masses, it needs to also be priced accordingly. Folks who don’t need the complexities of a smartphone will also be unlikely to spend this much money for an email only device. But then again.. we could very well be wrong here.

Finally, you can read a review of Peek over at the New York Times. Peek is now available at Target stores nationwide. For those of you out there who can’t stand the notion of using or owning a smartphone, the Peek might just be right choice for your portable email needs.

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