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How do you connect to the Internet when you’re on the road? Do you have a netbook? Do you tether your BlackBerry to your laptop? Or do you just use your BlackBerry as a mini computer? Those seem to be the three main options, but a device from Celio adds another option. The Redfly Mobile Companion looks like a laptop, but really it’s just a device that allows you to access your smartphone through a computer interface. The device has been around for a bit, compatible with Windows Mobile phones. Yesterday, however, they added BlackBerry support. Ed Hardy of Brighthand.com has a quick review.

There are two models of the Mobile Companion: the C8n, which features an 8-inch screen, and the C7, which has a 7-inch screen. Both work in a similar manner. Just connect your BlackBerry via a USB cord, and you can view your BlackBerry on a bigger screen and type out messages on a near full-sized keyboard.

Hardy goes over the main points. The screen can blow up your BlackBerry screen, though because the resolution isn’t any better, the images can get a bit pixelated. That might be a turn-off to some, so there is an option to blow up the screen by about 50 percent, which is still a nice improvement. The keyboard works as normal, though the trackpad/mouse is a bit different. It works as normal in the browser, but outside of that, where there is no cursor, the trackpad functions the same way as a trackball/trackpad on your BlackBerry. One big downside, Hardy notes, is that the USB connection can’t handle video transfer, so you won’t be able to watch movies on the 7- or 8-inch screen.

For those wondering what kind of upgrade this provides over a netbook, Hardy has a few answers. This works for people who don’t need all the computing power of a PC. It also runs off your BlackBerry, so there are no issues like viruses to deal with. The battery life is also much better than a laptop; Hardy had his working up to eight hours on a charge.

If you think this might work for you and your BlackBerry, be sure to read Hardy’s review, and then head over to CrackBerry where Adam Zeis takes an in-depth look. That one is full of pretty pictures, too.

You can get the 8-inch Mobile Companion for $249.95, and the 7-inch version for $199.95.

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